7700 Brimley Road, Markham, Ontario, L3R 0E5, Canada
11300 Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4S 1L4, Canada
1990
2022
Varies
40
JK to 8
9 to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
eSchool
English, French, Mandarin
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Progressive
13 to 18
15 to 20
In-class adaptations
In-class adaptations
$14,300
Yes
Yes
5%
0%
1 to 8
9 to 12
$0
$10,000
0
10
0%
0%
95%
0%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 1 - 8
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
Somerset has established its reputation in offering a challenging, supportive academic program to prepare students for success in high school and beyond. The school is small, something that is a primary draw for families looking for a more personal approach to instruction. The core curriculum is augmented by an overt attention to fostering communication and interpersonal engagement. The offering of French and Mandarin language instruction is also a notable draw. The ideal student is one operating toward the top of his or her peer group, who will thrive in a very close-knit, community oriented educational environment, and is able to work effectively through an accelerated curriculum.
View full reportHTS Online is an e-school for students in Grades 9 to 12, with a 42-year history of providing an exemplary education. The school offers a personalized, interdisciplinary, and experiential curriculum that enables students to develop strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. HTS Online provides a careful blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning that gives students maximum flexibility. A distinctive feature of the school, something you’ll rarely find in an online school, is its immersive and intimate community. This is cultivated through weekly school-wide assemblies celebrating student achievements, a house system, a mentorship program, and plenty of opportunities to connect with the school’s alumni.
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"Established in 1974, Somerset Academy is an independent, not-for-profit private school providing education to students from JK to Grade 8. Our school provides an enriched, accelerated curriculum; a variety of extra-curricular activities; enhances your child's self-esteem; and encourages team building skills. We offer classes in French and Mandarin, as well as the Reach Ahead program, which enables our Grade Eight students the opportunity to gain high school credits. Somerset is a certified STEM school."
"At HTS Global Online Campus, we offer the same exceptional education and personalized attention as our traditional on-campus programs, but with the flexibility and convenience of online learning. Our personalized approach to learning goes beyond the current online educational experiences being offered, ensuring that each student receives the attention they need to succeed."
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"HTS Online revolutionizes online learning by centring our learning experience on community,
connection and support. Our vision for a personalized learning environment is a commitment to know and support each of our learners to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies that will allow them to thrive in the world. With a careful blend of synchronous and asynchronous modalities and a curated co-curricular program HTS Online students develop passions that ignite them beyond the classroom."
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"Our mentorship program, guidance counsellors and post-secondary pathway supports put the learner first, promoting student growth and achievement. Our dedicated technology integrator helps develop digital competencies and citizenship, while institutional partners provide micro-certifications and workshops to students. Our schedule provides flexibility; students can earn up to 10 credits per year, and they will be taught by certified educators who are among the most innovative in their field."
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"Providing a learning community and experience that highlights connections and relationships between students, faculty and families, beginning with our Launch Week in August. Our weekly school-wide assemblies celebrate student achievement and wellness. Students are part of our house system and connected to a community of alumni. Our uniform shirt contributes to a collective identity when meeting synchronously for their daily classes, mentor groups, or small group sessions."
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"HTS Online revolutionizes online learning by centring our learning experience on community, connection and personalized mentorship. Our vision for a personalized learning environment is a commitment to know and support each of our learners to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies that will allow them to thrive in the world. It is a community that proactively supports each other, connects in real-time, and provides opportunities to develop holistically, even outside the classroom."
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"Success comes from working together"
When people ask what makes Somerset special, I always say that we are members of a "family" that help guide each other to be the best. Somerset education sets the foundation for a successful future. Our students atrive for excellence and our educators do a remarkable job in preparing them.
Dear staff, students and families,
Welcome inaugural staff, students and families to our HTS Online community. 2023-2024 will be a remarkable year in our school’s history — the first cohort of students and staff, the first year of being an online community, and the first year of redefining learning as a team of passionate learners, adult and young. It will be our year of many firsts and one that will be the beginning of something extraordinary.
The HTS Global Online Campus is a division of the HTS Learning Network which has its home campus in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. HTS is a not-for-profit, registered charity, with an incredible 41-year history of providing an exemplary educational experience to learners in Ontario with an extraordinary alumni network making an impact around the world. The Board of Governors and I, alongside many experts in our vast HTS network, have been building this vision for an exceptional online learning experience. HTS is a leader in learning, intentionally charting pathways that are rooted in personalized, interdisciplinary, and competency-framed learning that supports all our graduates to develop as intellectually agile problem-solvers, with a strong moral compass willing to make a difference in the world. The power of personalized learning is not in what we teach or how we teach it — the power comes from deeply knowing and understanding who we teach. This is the HTS difference and promise.
As a member of our HTS Online learning community, you can count on:
Academic excellence and character development.
Student agency through a personalized instructional design.
Community — a learning environment and experience that centres connections, collaboration, self-awareness and commitment.
Student Well-being and Flourishing — unwavering support of every learner’s academic, social and emotional well-being as they pursue their goals.
Welcome, we can’t wait to learn, celebrate and make memories with you.
Yours in Learning,
Helen Pereira-Raso
Head of School
Progressive
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Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
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.
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At Somerset Academy, we promote intellectual curiosity. We encourage students from Grade 1 to 8 to interpret, evaluate and communicate ideas in a knowledgeable and confident manner within a framework of high academic, artistic and athletic standards. Working one year ahead of their chronological grade level, our students experience an enriched academic program with a balance of Visual Arts, Physical Education, Music, and Computer Study, as well as many diverse extra curricular activities. Somerset Academy in conjunction with Yips Collegiate, offer a number of credits towards your child’s high school Diploma. The Reach Ahead programme is designed to allow your child to participate in one (if not all) of the following high school courses: English – ENG1D, Mathematics – MPM1D, Chinese (Mandarin) – LKAAD. Somerset Academy also offers a Gifted Programme for students in the Grades Three to Seven. This programme will be designed to challenge the students who meet the criteria in the following areas: Language, Mathematics and Science and History.
HTS Online provides a curriculum that exceeds the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education. Students graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), which is supplemented at HTS with additional graduating requirements. Students also have the option of completing AP courses. Our commitment is to provide an exceptional student-centred academic program, enriched by micro-certifications, interdisciplinary learning, experts in residence, workshops and programs that enhances our learners’ journey beyond their academics.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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No
Equal Balance
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
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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
Not applicable
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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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
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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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
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Creative
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.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
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In Pursuit of excellence in Academic, Language and Performing Arts Education
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Standard-enriched
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.
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.
Blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning during the school day, with opportunities for 1-1 support, small group sessions and flexible scheduling.
Rigorous
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 “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A rigorous learning environment that integrates disciplinary knowledge, and key competencies that transcend disciplines and invites every learner to explore the challenges in their school, community and the world. Rigour at HTS Online lives in the complexity of our investigations, asking great questions that lead to deep inquiries, labs and the application of knowledge and skills.
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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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.
Physical
The goal is to cultivate "strong, ?exible - bodied and active individuals, in tune with the joys of movement, sport and wellness."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Our learning ecosystem is grounded in a commitment to healthy minds, bodies, and relationships in order for students to achieve their personal best. At HTS Online learning is a joyful and lived experience, where learning by doing is the most transformational. Learners are curious, competent and able to direct their learning. HTS Online graduates are problem solvers, impactful, intellectually agile and citizens of character.
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
1 - 8
9 - 12
5%
0%
$0
$10,000
95%
0%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 1 - 8
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 2 - 8
No
No
No
Yes
No
Students are welcome to apply for entry to any level from JK to Grade 8.
The ideal HTS Online learner is: • Adaptable • Curious and intellectually agile • A strong communicator • A great collaborator • A citizen of character • Flexible, disciplined to meeting expectations, works well independently and in group settings, desires agency and choice, in their learning.
Acceptance into Somerset is determined by means of an academic screening, and the completion of the following preliminary steps:
• Parent and Student interview
• Submission of a deposit
• A completed and original application form
• Birth certificate/passport (photocopy)
• Health insurance card (photocopy)
• Immunization record (photocopy)
• Medic alert card, if applicable (photocopy)
• Custody agreements, if applicable (photocopy)
• 3 Copies of the June report card from the previous year and all report cards from the current year (if applicable)
• A completed and original transportation permission form
• A completed and original media release form
• A completed and original release of information form/OSR request (if applicable)
Completion of these steps does not necessarily guarantee acceptance into Somerset Academy.
For further information, please call the school at (905) 940-8990.
1. Complete the application online
2. Submit a character reference letter from a Teacher/Coach/Mentor, report cards and any transcripts.
3. Create and submit a Video submission
4. Formal candidate interview