1967 Bright Street, Rosseau, Ontario, P0C 1J0, Canada
125 Brentcliffe Rd, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3Y7, Canada
1967
2020
135
24
7 to 12
JK to 3
Coed
Coed
Boarding, Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Nature-based
Progressive
Progressive
15 to 18
Varies
In-class adaptations
$22,700 to $32,700
$5,575 to $13,750
$55,170 to $66,300
Yes
No
10%
0%
6 to 12
None
$10,000
$0
23
4
67%
0%
85%
100%
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
No
No
“It’s a small school in all the best ways: intimate, active, and personal. … In addition to mastering the core curriculum, students are asked to consider how they can serve their communities, and they are given ample opportunities to do just that.”
“ … there isn’t a sense of being pushed from class to class, discipline to discipline, whenever the bell rings. Instead, there is time offered to get into a task and stay with it. The dissection of a frog, for example, might take a whole afternoon. This is a school that believes in the value of taking time, that learning is an experience to be savoured.”
“It’s true that every school is unique, though that’s especially true here. In so many ways, it’s one of a kind, beginning with the integration of outdoor education into all aspects of student life.”
Read The Our Kids Review of Rosseau Lake College
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Throughout its life, Rosseau Lake has forged its own path, its own tradition, which itself is a primary draw for students and faculty alike. It’s true that every school is unique, though that’s especially true here. In so many ways, it’s one of a kind, beginning with the integration of outdoor education into all aspects of student life. The Seven Generations program, too, is a model for others to follow. And on it goes. The students come because they want an education, yes, but also because they are looking for more. They want to be engaged, to find a place within a community of kindred spirits. They intend to go on to post-secondary studies, though they also understand that school should never be only a stepping stone to some future accomplishment. The school rightly prides itself on graduating students who have a strong sense of identity as learners, are able to describe who they are, and analyze the experiences they’ve had. And while many schools will say those kinds of things, Rosseau Lake can actually point to them. In addition to earning a degree, students leave having spent the equivalent of two months on outtrips. They’ll have paddled canoes, tied knots, and, for many, travelled the world. Despite the small size of the school and its location beyond urban centres, they will also have learned alongside others from diverse communities around the world and down the street. As alumni invariably say, they will have also gained a profound sense of community, having experienced how important they can be to a group, just as they’ve been lifted by it. Both Graham Vogt and Cheryl Bissonette noted to us that Rosseau Lake may not be “the school for everyone,” but, in many ways, perhaps it should be.
With its unique forest school approach, Explore Nature stands out as an innovative school that transcends the conventional classroom setting. Immersed in nature, the school enables children to experience enhanced focus, reduced anxiety, and deepened self-awareness. Explore Nature’s commitment to personalized learning is clear with their 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, which allows them to cater to the unique learning styles of each child. Beyond the standard Ontario curriculum, the school’s holistic education includes mindfulness sessions, literacy and numeracy growth, and the chance to care for animals in collaboration with Pawsitively Pets. These experiences foster empathy, responsibility, resilience, and a broad range of emotional and social competencies. At the heart of Explore Nature is a commitment to students' overall well-being and a balanced development through creating positive connections with the self, others, and the environment.
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"This is my first year here and I can tell you for sure, there is nothing like it."
robi pardo - Student (Feb 08, 2018)
If you are looking for a school where teachers care about the students, and treat them like friends ...
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"an incredible outdoors, future forward, and inclusive school"
Christopher Gan - Student (Feb 08, 2018)
Rosseau Lake College is an incredible outdoors, future forward, and inclusive school. Personally I l...
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"Teachers were fantastic, engaging"
Barbara Barclay - Alumnus (Feb 09, 2018)
I attended RLC in the 90's, for grades 9-13 (OAC) and had a wonderful experience. The dorm experien...
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"The teachers are well-equipped to have kids working on skills appropriate to their level in any subject."
Karen Sadler - Parent (May 17, 2023)
My daughter is thriving thanks to the small, collaborative nature of this school. The teachers work ...
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"I can't say enough about the positive benefits of sending your child to a forest school where immersion in nature is part of the everyday experience."
Alicia Shala - Parent (Jun 01, 2023)
This school is all around amazing. My kiddo has a lot of energy and needs space to move around and e...
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"Rosseau Lake College is an independent co-ed day and boarding school established in 1967 in the heart of Muskoka, Ontario, a region dotted with pristine lakes and areas of hardwood forest. The lakefront campus provides the basis for an innovative academic program that immerses your child in powerful experiential learning that’s impossible to gain in traditional classroom settings. Our intentionally small school environment ensures meaningful relationships and a deep engagement in curricular and co-curricular life."
"Explore Nature is a unique outdoor education school (K-3) nestled in Leaside. Small class sizes (6:1) and serene forest classroom allow for hands-on learning and curiosity-driven exploration. Learning outside improves attention, reduces anxiety and cultivates self-awareness. In addition to the Ontario curriculum, we offer mindfulness sessions, literacy and numeracy development, and the chance to care for animals. Our passionate teachers create an inclusive environment where individual learning styles are embraced."
"A key aspect of our program is outdoor education. In many people’s minds, outdoor education is synonymous with outdoor adventure and athletics. That’s one aspect of what RLC offers: education of the outdoors, learning how to paddle and swim and climb; experiencing the satisfaction of reaching a goal.
It’s also education for the outdoors: learning about the environment, about what is happening to the ecosystems.
And it’s education in the outdoors. The campus—forest, fields, lake, watershed—is essentially a 56-acre STEAM lab. You can test ideas here. Newton’s laws describe the motion of canoes just as they do a block descending an inclined plane. You can be inspired here. The natural setting brings a unique calm and focus.
In all, we believe that outdoor education delivers the skills that post-secondary programs and employers are looking for: problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, teamwork, observation, synthesis, communication, and calm."
"Explore Nature stands apart from other schools by offering a unique blend of outdoor education and holistic development. Our forest school approach fosters a deep connection with nature and provides students with hands-on experiences that ignite their curiosity and love for the natural world. Our school goes beyond traditional classroom walls, allowing children to learn and explore in a serene and calm outdoor environment."
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"Rosseau Lake College was established in 1967, the year of Canada’s Centennial. The founders were of course aware of that, and in a sense the creation of the school was a centennial project. In a letter announcing the appointment of R. H. Perry as headmaster the board wrote, “As Canada prepares to enter its second century, there is a pressing need to equip its future citizens socially, morally, and intellectually so that they may meet the challenges of ensuing decades with courage, intelligence and understanding.” The letter ends by saying that the school intends to “do its modest share to help young Canadians face the post-centennial years.” It’s important that the founders were thinking in that way—thinking to the future, and to the needs of the students in their ability to meet that future. Ever since, that kind of thinking has been what has guided the mission of the school."
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"For us, the ideal student is one who is willing to try something new and to be open to new discoveries. The academic program at RLC seeks to maximize a sense of personal discovery. It’s the difference between spotting an owl on a trail walk and seeing it at the zoo: the bird is impressive in both scenarios, but the experience is vastly different. We want our students to see the owl, not because we show it to them, but because they discover it for themselves. That’s metaphorically true–discovery and experience is at the heart of our academic delivery. It's also literally true–there really are trails, and students really do see owls. At the end of the day, we believe that outdoor education is uniquely able to deliver that sense of discovery. We also feel it delivers the skills that post-secondary programs and employers are looking for: problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, teamwork, observation, synthesis, and communication."
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"Explore Nature goes beyond academic learning, equipping students with essential tools for managing stress, building resilience, and promoting overall well-being. By tailoring the learning experience to individual needs and building upon students' unique starting points, we foster a sense of achievement, boosting their self-esteem and motivation. Students graduate from Explore Nature with the tools to thrive in diverse settings and become compassionate and confident leaders in their communities."
"We have a lot that distinguishes us, the most obvious being that we're on a 56-acre property on the edge of a pristine lake in Muskoka. The region is home to some of the original Ontario summer resorts, and a nearby are the Windermere and the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka. Given the celebrities who have homes here, the New York Times has called Muskoka the “Malibu of the north,” (if thankfully quieter and more reserved than the Malibu of the south).
That said, our greatest distinction within independent schooling in Canada—and many would argue our greatest advantage—is scale. When people talk about small schools, they’re typically thinking of enrolments of a few hundred. Today at 130 students, we’re the smallest independent school in Canada. That’s intentional. Our students benefit from being visible and known to all staff, peers, mentors, and parent volunteers. They feel part of a community that wants to see them succeed. Because of that, we believe that small is beautiful."
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"Our school's partnership with Pawsitively Pets offers students a unique opportunity to interact with and care for rescue animals. This hands-on experience not only teaches children about empathy, responsibility, and animal welfare, but it also instills a sense of pride and confidence in their abilities. By nurturing a caring relationship with animals, students develop a deep appreciation for all living creatures, fostering a compassionate and empathetic mindset."
"I think one thing that families don't expect is that we're in a typical Muskoka village. Truly, the experience of the village of can be a pinch-me kind of moment. There’s a bakery, a post office; there’s a farmer’s market, people walking their dogs at dusk, children jumping off the municipal dock on a late spring day. The Rosseau General Store has been operating here since incorporation, and the creaking, worn wooden floors are a charming reminder of its age. (Celebrity sightings are common, too, particularly in the General Store, given the cottages in the area.) In history, and feel, and that sense of community and safety, the village of Rosseau is a unique and delightful aspect of where we are and who we are. True, the village isn't a factor in our academic program, but it's a very important aspect of the student experience. Ask alumni about their time at RLC, and you'll invariably hear about how wonderful it was to spend those years in a charming village by a lake in Muskoka."
"We prioritize building positive connections with self, others, and nature. Through meaningful experiences and relationships, our students develop a strong sense of self-awareness, empathy, and respect for others and the environment. A focus on positive connections enriches well-being and personal growth, promoting a balanced lifestyle. By providing a nurturing and inclusive space to express their emotions and develop self-regulation skills, we empower them to navigate challenges with confidence."
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“We are all one drum and we need each other” – Richard Wagamese from One Drum
Our incredible natural setting along with our small, cohesive community establishes a sense of home, belonging and immersion. We truly live, learn, and explore through authentic relationships.
Nestled among the pines on a pristine 56-acre historic lakefront property in traditional Anishinaabeg territory, Rosseau Lake College offers a boarding and day school experience that is like no other in Canada.
Students at Rosseau Lake College develop transferable dispositions that transcend time and place by understanding who they are and what they can achieve.
Our Discovery Projects represent our student centric beliefs. Students are able to express themselves, explore their passions, and demonstrate their curiosity and intellectual skills.
The Seven Generations and Rosseau Roots foundations are integrated into all we do along with our amazing Outdoor Learning. Students are immersed into academic pursuits that are integrated, meaningful and incorporate values, curiosity, our natural setting and relationships.
Rosseau Lake College is unparalleled in our natural environment and small school size. We truly are connected to each other, our land, and our values. We have without a doubt an extraordinary school and experience that is a privilege to experience.
When students graduate from RLC they have developed the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take on any challenge. They are ready for anything.
“Being immersed in our majestic, close knit campus is an incredible privilege. We are unique, proud, and joyful. Students develop character, personal expression and meaningful relationships with the land, self and others. Learning transcends time and place so students develop an everlasting sense of belonging and an understanding of who they are and what they can achieve.”
– Dave Krocker, Head of School
As the principal of Explore Nature, I am thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant learning community. At Explore Nature, we believe in the transformative power of outdoor education and experiential learning. Our dedicated team of educators is committed to providing your child with an exceptional educational experience that fosters a deep connection with nature, cultivates a love for learning, and nurtures their overall well-being.
We are proud to offer a unique curriculum that combines academic excellence with meaningful outdoor experiences. Our students engage in hands-on activities, explore the wonders of the natural world, and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
At Explore Nature, we celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and the value of each student's unique talents and abilities. We provide a safe and supportive environment where students can express themselves, take risks, and grow both academically and personally.
I invite you to explore our website, schedule a visit, and discover firsthand the exceptional educational opportunities that await your child at Explore Nature. Together, let's inspire a lifelong love for learning, foster a deep connection with nature, and empower our students to become compassionate and engaged global citizens.
Progressive
Information not available
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Not applicable
Rosseau Lake College is a preparatory school that challenges and empowers each student individually through the rigours and adventures of a highly academic program; one that is intentionally rooted in the vast opportunities of nature and our incredible geographical setting. Our teachers are relentless in the maintenance of our kind, caring and supportive personalized learning community while continuously innovating practices and approaches that make us a leading outdoor-education, environmental, indigenous-knowledge-based and experiential school. Students graduate from Rosseau Lake College with a strong sense of self according to each of our six Rosseau Roots, and the knowledge and skills that will allow them to truly thrive in the next phase of life. Our mission is to connect students’ lives to the natural world, enriching their education, health, wellbeing and personal development with a focus on cross-curricular project based learning, diverse learning strategies, and building skills and competencies for the future. Nature is present in every aspect of the school’s operations and is central to, and deeply embedded in, the school’s culture.
Information not available
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
At the forefront of all subject areas in our Academic Program is building a love of subject through "real world" applications and experiences. At Rosseau Lake College we also work to explore the relevance and meaning of topics through the adventure of the outdoors and our natural, geographical setting. All of this is balanced by challenging and supporting our students with only the highest level of curriculum as offered through the Ontario Ministry of Education. Mathematics at Rosseau Lake College maintains an overall balanced approach of intentionally building a foundation of skills and knowledge while helping students to discover creative applications.
Math concepts are introduced through implicit teaching, and each strand is structured according to the Ontario Curriculum. Once introduced, concepts can then be explored through experiential based learning in the forest, using nature to explore how each idea presents itself in the real world, as well as cross-curricular connections, such as graphing colours found in nature, or exploring shapes in natural art.
Nelson Math
Information not available
Balanced Literacy
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
Information not available
Explore Nature uses the dual coding theory to teach literacy, encoding language as sensory information that can be taught through phonics and sight word skills, as well as conceptual imagery that includes whole word concepts and comprehension. A systematic phonics program is used to support and fill learning blocks in readers of all grades, with a whole language reading and writing program used in all subjects to support the reading of age-appropriate literature.
Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
At Explore Nature, we foster a love of writing and equip our students with essential writing skills from a young age. Our approach to teaching writing in the younger grades is designed to engage students, encourage their creativity, and develop effective communication skills. We believe that writing is a powerful tool for self-expression, and we provide numerous opportunities for students to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through written expression. Through structured lessons and creative writing exercises, we nurture their love for writing and motivate them to become proficient writers. We take a systemic approach to teaching foundational writing concepts in the early grades. We guide students in correctly printing their names, emphasizing proper letter formation and alignment. Our teachers provide individualized support to students, recognizing their unique writing abilities and adapting instruction accordingly. They employ various instructional strategies, including modelling, guided practice, and peer collaboration, to writing proficiency.
Inquiry
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
We aim to instill a love for scientific inquiry, nurture curiosity about the natural world, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, introducing science through hands-on exploration and observation. Students engage in age-appropriate experiments, and sensory activities to develop their scientific skills and understanding. They learn to ask questions, make predictions, and gather evidence, fostering a sense of wonder and excitement about the world around them. We cover a wide range of topics, including life sciences, earth and space sciences, physical sciences, and environmental sustainability. We believe in fostering a strong connection to nature. Our outdoor learning environment provides the perfect setting for scientific exploration, allowing students to observe and interact with ecosystems, plants, animals, and natural phenomena firsthand. Our teachers serve as facilitators and guides, encouraging students to think critically and ask thought-provoking questions. They provide reflection, discussion, and self-assessment opportunities, nurturing a growth mindset and lifelong learning habits.
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Zoology
Not applicable
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Not applicable
Information not available
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Expanding Communities
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
Information not available
Our approach fosters students' understanding of their place in the world, promotes cultural awareness, and embraces the richness of Indigenous history and perspectives. Our social studies curriculum is designed to connect students with their immediate surroundings and expand their understanding to a global scale. We begin by exploring identity, family, and community, encouraging students to reflect on their experiences and how they contribute to the social fabric. Cultural themes are woven throughout our social studies curriculum to ensure a holistic and inclusive approach. We prioritize teaching the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, with a focus on pre-colonial and pioneer-settled Canada. Our teachers create a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing their opinions, asking questions, and engaging in respectful dialogue. They facilitate discussions on social justice, human rights, and ethical issues, empowering students to become active participants in shaping a more equitable and sustainable world.
Not applicable
Pragmatism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes making learning relevant to students’ present-day experience. Assignments tend to centre around projects and tasks rather than argumentative essays; these projects will often have a “real-world” application or relevance. There might be more of a social justice component to a pragmatic program, though that isn’t always the case. Subjects like history and philosophy are still covered/offered, but they play a less prominent role in the overall program than in the case of perennialism. The social sciences (contemporary geography, sociology, psychology, etc), meanwhile, might play a more prominent role in pragmatic programs. The key goals are to make learning progressive and relevant, while teaching students real-life skills and critical thinking.
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
Information not available
Information not available
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Information not available
Not applicable
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
Not applicable
Information not available
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Light integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
Information not available
A digital Smartboard is used to convey concepts that require extensive visuals, or to show videos of places or practices that can't be found in the classroom. Older students are taught to use digital presentation programs, such as Google Slides, to prepare them for a junior level classroom. Technology is also employed when needed by the curriculum, such as digital media as a part of Media Literacy, or coding as part of Mathematics.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Rosseau Lake College offers an active outdoors education program which makes great use of our 56 acre campus with over 3000 feet of shoreline on beautiful Lake Rosseau in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. Climbing, paddling, hiking, camping, and outdoor pursuits and skills are developed in each grade (7 - 12).
At Explore Nature, our approach recognizes the vital importance of physical education in a child's overall development. Teaching physical education promotes an active and healthy lifestyle while instilling a love for movement and physical activity. We provide a well-rounded physical education curriculum that combines structured lessons with opportunities for unstructured play and natural exploration. Our teachers integrate physical fitness activities seamlessly into our outdoor learning environment. Our physical education program focuses on developing fundamental movement skills like running, jumping, throwing, and balancing. Students build their coordination, strength, and agility through engaging and age-appropriate activities. We also emphasize the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play, fostering social skills and cooperation. To ensure a comprehensive approach, we cover a range of activities, including games, sports, yoga, nature hikes, and outdoor adventure challenges. Our students can engage in nature-based activities that enhance their understanding of the environment while staying physically active.
Play-based
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
Information not available
Student-paced
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.
Information not available
Supportive
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Information not available
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
6 - 12
10%
0%
$10,000
$0
85%
100%
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
No
No
Rosseau Lake College is looking for students who are well-rounded individuals and those who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, service, extracurricular involvement.. and those who love being in the outdoors.
At Explore Nature, we welcome students who possess a sense of curiosity, a love for learning, and an appreciation for the natural world. We believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive community where students can thrive and develop to their fullest potential. We are looking for students who enjoy outdoor activities and have a natural curiosity about the environment. Our curriculum heavily emphasizes hands-on exploration and outdoor learning, so a willingness to engage with nature and the outdoors is important. While we welcome students from diverse backgrounds and abilities, it is important that students are able to meet the physical demands of our program, such as walking and carrying their own bags comfortably. Ultimately, we are looking for students who will embrace our educational approach, connect with our values of nature exploration, and actively participate in creating a positive and inclusive learning community at Explore Nature.
Step 1. The Paperwork
Application Form, Teacher Reference Form, Academic Records from previous two years, and a non-refundable application fee of $200 CDN for Canadian students / $330 CDN for International students.
Step 2. The Interview
Once the paperwork is received and evaluated we schedule an interview. This can be done via video conference (zoom).
Step 3. The Entrance Test
Every applicant must complete an entrance test. The test is used to assess the student's fluency in math, their English comprehension and writing ability.
At Explore Nature, we have a straightforward application process that welcomes all students who meet our basic requirements. We kindly request that students be potty trained to ensure a positive learning environment, as this promotes independence and hygiene.
We prioritize fostering a deep connection with nature, so we recommend that students have an enjoyment of outdoor activities. Our curriculum heavily emphasizes outdoor exploration and hands-on learning, allowing students to fully engage with the natural world around them. Additionally, students should be able to walk and carry their own bags comfortably, as we often move between indoor and outdoor learning spaces.
When applying, parents or guardians can complete our application form, providing the necessary details about the student. We encourage families to book a visit to our school, allowing them to experience our unique environment firsthand and ask any questions they may have.
1967 Bright Street, Rosseau, Ontario, P0C 1J0, Canada
125 Brentcliffe Rd, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3Y7, Canada
