11300 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4S 1L4, Canada
P.O. Box 577, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, B0S 1A0, Canada
11300 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4S 1L4, Canada
P.O. Box 577, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, B0S 1A0, Canada
350.5 km
728.9 km
1981
2020
788
888
JK to 12
9 to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Boarding
English, French
English
Academic
Science and technology
Progressive
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
18 to 24
15 to 20
In-class adaptations
Dedicated gifted school
$30,075
$41,340
$68,900
Yes
No
2%
0%
SK to 12
None
$5,000
$0
53
222
0%
100%
45%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
information not available
Since it was founded in 1981, Holy Trinity School has sought to promote the values—respect for self and others, strength of character, encouragement, and insight—that are expressed by the Anglican tradition. Families are drawn to the student-centred instruction, the community feel, the dedication to academic development and innovation, as well as the school’s proximity to green space. The program is designed to reward curiosity, and to develop well-rounded learners who are adept and engaged in a broad range of literacies. The ideal student is one who will thrive within an academically challenging environment, as well as one that is intellectually, culturally, and philosophically diverse.
Gordonstoun, Scotland, was founded in 1934 by Kurt Hahn, and though times have changed, the strength of the school reflects the ideals that he hoped to express. While he’s not as well-known as some others who developed ground-breaking programs in the early part of the last century—Maria Montessori, Rudolph Steiner—you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who has had a greater effect on how we think about education. Hahn's list of accomplishments is a hint: he founded the Salem school in Germany and Gordonstoun in the UK, both renowned for all the right reasons. (In addition, Gordonstoun is famously the alma mater of three generations of the British royal family, including the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales.) In addition, Hahn created three co-curricular programs that are now delivered around the world: Round Square, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and Outward Bound. That one person was involved in all is astonishing. At any rate, they all express what Hahn wanted education to do, namely to give students a sense of purpose and prepare them in mind, body, and intellect to go out and change the world for the better. Which, actually, is something he knew something about. As an educator in Germany, he encouraged his students to speak out against the rise of national socialism. For that, he was arrested, put briefly in jail, and then emigrated to England as a political refugee. This was a man who knew what the world could do, and what in turn we could do to affect change within it. Gordonstoun Nova Scotia is the first satellite school of the one Hahn founded in the UK—in time there may well be others—and is created to extend its work. Academics are rigorous, following the liberal arts model. There is also an attention to challenge by choice, encouraging students to reach further in terms of their academic, physical, and social development. In addition to mastering the core curriculum, students are asked to consider how they can serve their communities and are then encouraged to do just that. Outdoor education, understandably, is a focus, and the location, to say nothing of the campus itself, are resources in that regard. While some of the ideas that Hahn helped usher into international consciousness—it’s not so unusual these days, for example, to think of educating the whole child—Gordonstoun Nova Scotia is uniquely positioned to take the tradition of the school and extend them it creative, cutting-edge ways. Certainly, it has a lot to offer to students locally as well as those arriving from across the country and around the world.
Leaders in Learning, Holy Trinity School (HTS) is a co-ed, JK-Gr. 12, independent day school. Our safe, structured, supportive environment develops character and values such as respect, integrity, leadership, and confidence. We are rooted in academic excellence and are committed to innovative practices that prepare life-long learners to thrive in an ever-changing world. This is complemented by sports, music, drama, art and co-curricular programs that provide a well-rounded experience for all students.
Gordonstoun Nova Scotia is approached through an 18 acre orchard. Architecturally designed, net zero energy school buildings include residences, classrooms, gymnasium, science labs, technology centre and a gathering space. On-site food production is sourced from the school greenhouse and locally. The school faces south overlooking a lagoon and the Annapolis Basin. The site includes equipment storage sites and faculty housing. Several playing fields, the lagoon and access to the Bay of Fundy complete the school.
HTS is an exceptional community; a vibrant, caring home to students from JK to Grade 12, whose talents are developed by committed and caring teachers using innovative and creative approaches to learning.
Our outstanding academic program enables students to thrive and thoroughly prepares them for success at university and beyond. This is complemented by extensive sports, music, drama and art programs that provide a rich and well-rounded school experience for students of every age. What truly sets HTS apart is our focus on character and values – respect, integrity, leadership and confidence – to help our young people develop exceptional capabilities and a strong moral compass.
Life at HTS is multi-dimensional and no website or prospectus can fully capture the spirit of this wonderful school. The only way to get a genuine feel for what we believe in and what we do is to visit and meet the people who are the beating heart of the school – our students. Happy and confident, and characterized by their open and welcoming manner, our students will offer sincere words of welcome when they greet you. They are proud of their school.
Please take the next step and contact our Admissions Office to arrange a tour of the school. I know you will be struck by the happy, purposeful, and friendly atmosphere. HTS is no ordinary school and I am confident you will like what you see.
I look forward to meeting you.
Helen Pereira-Raso
Head of School
Creating Gordonstoun Nova Scotia with the traditions and ethos of its parent school in Gordonstoun Scotland is an exciting challenge. The 184 acre Annapolis County school site overlooks the Annapolis Basin with access to the Bay of Fundy. Nearby there is historic Annapolis Royal, Kejimkujik National Park and Champlain’s first habitation at Port Royal. Students and faculty alike will be the founders, an experience no subsequent class will share or enjoy. The curriculum brings the highest world standards set by the International Baccalaureate Organization in the form of the Diploma Program. But Gordonstoun both in Scotland and Nova Scotia is much more than just academics. There is a focus on the development of the whole individual - physically, mentally, artistically and socially. The Gordonstoun watchwords of teamwork, responsibility, resilience, achievement, service and internationalism are central to the ethos of Gordonstoun Nova Scotia.
Liberal Arts
International Baccalaureate
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.
Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
At Holy Trinity School, our goal is to help students find and develop their interests and then provide them opportunities to build a rich portfolio of experiences in the classroom, on the field and in their community. Our remarkable staff encourage and motivate our students to be the best they can, and work with them through successes and challenges to achieve their goals. We welcome you to visit our campus to feel the positive spirit and atmosphere that truly makes Holy Trinity School a place where students and their families feel right at home.
The curriculum approach approved by the Nova Scotia Department of Education is based on a foundation centred on required grades 9 and 10 courses. These courses provide a base for the International Diploma Program. The IB Dip program is a liberal arts curriculum emphasizing the traditional subject areas in Maths, English, Sciences, Humanities, Languages and the Arts. Teachers use whatever teaching methods are appropriate such as an inquiry based, kinetic learning or an instructional approach.
Traditional Math
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
Information not available
Information not available
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Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
Information not available
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
Information not available
Inquiry
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.
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.
Information not available
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
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
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
Not applicable
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Not applicable
Information not available
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Not applicable
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
Not applicable
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
Not applicable
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Not applicable
Information not available
Information not available
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Information not available
Information not available
Not applicable
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
Not applicable
Our Kindergarten classrooms are physically located at the heart of our school. This allows every member of our community an opportunity to engage and be role models for our youngest learners. Students in our Lower School, including Kindergarten, work with specialist teachers that offer a rich and engaging experience that allows children to explore, create and discover.
Information not available
Accelerated
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 accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
Information not available
Rigorous
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 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”.
Information not available
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Information not available
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."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Equal attention to priorities is most important for the very reason that all others are gathered under this umbrella and represents the Gordonstoun ideal of educating the whole person.
Holy Trinity School |
Gordonstoun Nova Scotia |
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RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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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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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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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
SK - 12
2%
0%
$5,000
$0
45%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
At HTS, we value and develop the whole child. While our commitment to academics is our number one priority, students are not selected based on their academic results alone. We are looking for students who are also passionate and curious about the arts, athletics, leadership, and service to the community. The interviews and teacher recommendations are also of great value. Ours is an incredible learning community and we want students to flourish and grow to their greatest capacity.
Applications are welcome at any time. It is recommended that parents apply in the fall before the entry year. Please contact the Admissions Office when you are ready to begin the process.
Initial offers of acceptance will be sent out during the month of January. Applications will continue to be accepted throughout the year.
There is a $1000.00 application fee which is non-refundable
