16945 Bayview Avenue, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 4X2, Canada
400-570, Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1Y1, Canada
16945 Bayview Avenue, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 4X2, Canada
400-570, Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1Y1, Canada
1842
2013
510
300
JK to 12
10 to 12
Coed
Coed
Day, Boarding
Homestay, Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
Progressive
18 to 20
10 to 16
$34,700
$16,500 to $22,800
$70,235 to $73,520
Yes
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
34
100
22%
0%
100%
100%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
No
Pickering College was founded as the West Lake Seminary by Quakers in 1842 and, as you might expect, has had a long and interesting history since. Canada became a dominion, the school amalgamated, some buildings burned down, others were built up. It began as a co-ed school, something unique at the time, and as such provided an expression of the Quaker ideal that both sexes should be educated equally. It was also the first school in North America to offer a course in typewriting, symbolic of the school's desire to encorporate new ideas and technologies, and to educate students with an eye to the world they would enter upon graduation. Times of course have changed, though certainly many of the values that the school upholds today reflect those with which it was founded, including a desire to embrace new ideas and to support a diversity of interest. The ideal student is one who will thrive in a supportive yet challenging academic environment.
Read The Our Kids Review of Pickering College
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Pickering College was founded as the West Lake Seminary by Quakers in 1842 and, as you might expect, has had a long and interesting history since. Canada became a dominion, the school amalgamated, some buildings burned down, others were built up. It began as a co-ed school, something unique at the time, and as such provided an expression of the Quaker ideal that both sexes should be educated equally. It was also the first school in North America to offer a course in typewriting, symbolic of the school's desire to encorporate new ideas and technologies, and to educate students with an eye to the world they would enter upon graduation. Times of course have changed, though certainly many of the values that the school upholds today reflect those with which it was founded, including a desire to embrace new ideas and to support a diversity of interest. The ideal student is one who will thrive in a supportive yet challenging academic environment.
View full reportIn many ways, Alexander is very much an expression of its context, namely the cultural and social life of Vancouver. The approach is international, drawing students from a range of cultural backgrounds, though also teaching with an eye to global communication and issues. The school is very forward looking, adapting programs to address 21st century literacies, and providing support for individual student success, including flexible scheduling. Academics are front and centre, just as they should be, but there is an attention to student life within the walls of the school and beyond. The location is proximate to a range of resources, including galleries and museums, arts venues, and transportation. The ideal student is one preparing for university studies.
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"...encouraged by their teachers to develop their learning skills."
Amy Wang - Parent (Dec 13, 2018)
My sons are always happy in the school. They have got the teachers’ help on their academics and ma...
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"I believe that the teaching at Pickering College is one of the strongest features of the school."
Shyam Subramanyam - Student (Mar 08, 2021)
As of writing this review, I am currently a grade 10 student at Pickering College. I began my journe...
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"...opportunities to mature, develop and demonstrate ownership, accountability, and responsibility."
Sonya Bonerath - Parent (Mar 22, 2021)
My daughter and son started their studies at Pickering College in grades 7 and 9. My daughter's joy ...
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"The community at Alexander Academy is welcoming."
Kate Mezentseva - Parent (Nov 03, 2022)
The school is very compact, has under 100 students, and feels very private and personal. My son love...
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"At Pickering College, our fully-integrated Global Leadership Program (JK to Gr 12) inspires students to become agents of courageous, ethical and positive change with the confidence, knowledge and skills to shape the future. Our co-educational day and boarding school of 510 students is a safe and respectful community, offering exceptional academic and co-curricular programs. Our graduates leave us to attend the university of their choice, prepared to make a difference in the world."
"Alexander Academy is a private high school for students in grades 10-12 and is dedicated to educational excellence that is both student-centred and community-oriented. Alexander Academy offers the BC Dogwood Diploma, a unique University Transfer Program and an English Language Development Program for our international students. Our approach is to offer personalized learning, relevant out-of-classroom experiences, and the opportunity to earn advanced university transfer credits."
"Our students experience a school that is intimate in size and global in perspective. The school is small enough that we are able to truly get to know each child, while welcoming a diverse and co-educational group of students both locally and from around the world. Along with our Global Leadership Program, this provides students with countless opportunities to consider the global context and discover their own place in the world."
"We recognize that each student has their own academic goals, learning style, passion, and talent. Our teachers are committed to ensuring students have the opportunity to challenge themselves academically to reach their full potential. Alexander Academy’s teaching staff is comprised of 11 full-time equivalent qualified faculty members, as well as our Head of School, Headteacher, Student Services Manager, Health and Wellness counselor, and a full-time Librarian. Our student-teacher ratio is 1:11."
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"As a Pickering College parent once put it: “I would encourage other parents to enrol their child at Pickering College because quite simply, it is an oasis in the storm. A place of safety, strong community, values-based education, and leadership training. As a parent, I too am relearning along the way in terms of the importance of servant leadership and responsibility to others in our community at large.”"
"Alexander Academy is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in an ever-changing world. We aim to foster a safe, caring, student-oriented community by focusing on building strong relationships between a diverse and inclusive group of internationally-minded learners. We do this by cultivating a collaborative and supportive learning atmosphere that encourages action, inquiry, healthy living, and life-long learning."
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"We often say “The People are Pickering.” When you choose a school for your child, you are choosing more than a formal education, but the community of caring faculty and staff that will empower and inspire them. We refer to this as “finding the light” within each child - that inner potential that is waiting to shine upon the world. It is important to find a school that shares your family’s values, and we hope the welcoming and inclusive nature of our community will be that place."
"What makes us special? Alexander Academy is widely proud of the 100% University Acceptance of its students."
"Retaining a close relationship with our Quaker heritage provides a solid philosophical, moral and operational framework for our school. Our Morning Meetings play a fundamental role in the life of the school as a time that we join together in an atmosphere of respect, listening, trust, integrity, compassion and silence. The silence in Morning Meeting provides us time to reflect and take comfort, strength and joy from being in the presence of friends and find a sense of power and enlightenment."
"Our staff promotes holistic education and sustainability practices that place the students first. We aim to cultivate creativity, engagement, collaboration, empathy, and integrity in our students. Alexander Academy seeks to raise awareness for the process of truth and reconciliation and creating authentic connections with Indigenous communities. We nurture skills such as leadership, creativity, resilience, and responsibility to prepare our students for success in an increasingly interconnected w"
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Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Pickering College. Since our founding in 1842, thousands have walked our halls as Pickering College students. Our alumni have gone on to make a difference in just about every imaginable field and endeavour, both here in Canada and globally.
We are the only independent day and boarding school in Canada for students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 that provides a comprehensive Global Leadership Program founded on Quaker values.
We celebrate diversity in all aspects. Whether through our commitment to providing a co-educational environment, or our unique approach to educating and developing the whole child through a focus on academic excellence, co-curricular distinction, character, and leadership development.
Our dedicated teachers deliver a fully integrated program that encourages students to realize their full potential within a challenging academic learning environment and where students are empowered to develop into courageous and compassionate global citizens fully equipped to contribute and provide leadership to their communities and the world at large.
As the new Head of School, I was drawn to Pickering College for its unique and inspiring community, not to mention its values, guiding principles and vision that embraces each student as an emotional, physical, and spiritual being.
I encourage you to proceed through these pages to learn how a Pickering College education uncovers all aspects of your child’s unique talents and gifts – academic, artistic, athletic and altruistic.
Dr. Cinde Lock
Head of School
Welcome to Alexander Academy. We are delighted that you have found us and invite you to get to know us better. As you will see, at Alexander Academy our lively classrooms celebrate the joy of learning and foster the quest for excellence and exploration. The first thing you will notice when you arrive at Alexander Academy is that the excitement is tangible: you will feel the energy and sense the vibrancy as soon as you enter our school. You will grasp the wonder of discovery in the classrooms as each student and faculty member engage in authentic critical thinking and learning. Our small classes provide the opportunity to challenge students to express themselves in an environment where teachers are a vital part of each student’s daily experience. Our personalized community also helps to build lifelong friendships among students and faculty.
We are a professional learning community following a holistic approach to education. We educate the whole person: academically, artistically, physically and socially as we put the student and their strengths and interests first. No two students or journeys are alike and we will go out of our way to find and nurture each student’ unique abilities. To help students on their path, we craft a unique program designed for each student. Ultimately, it is our goal is to shape 21st century leaders who have the courage to take intellectual risks as they work effectively with others. Our aim is that every student should leave Alexander Academy happy, fulfilled and prepared for the next stage of their life.
In navigating through the pages of this website, I hope that you will get a real sense of the richness and diversity of life at Alexander Academy. Above all else, I hope that you will gain a strong impression that, at Alexander Academy, the interest of our students comes first.
Please do come and visit Alexander Academy. You will be warmly welcome.
Progressive
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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.
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Pickering College is an independent boarding (Grades 7 to 12) and day (Kindergarten to Grade 12) school for boys and girls in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Our programs offer unique opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, global leadership development and community service. • 100% university placement at top universities in Canada and around the world • Fully integrated Global Leadership Program (JK to Grade 12) • Dedicated and caring teachers who are specialists in their field • Challenging and engaging academic curriculum • Full recreational and competitive co-curricular program • Safe and supportive nurturing environment • Dynamic boarding program • Small class sizes and personalized attention at every grade
Alexander Academy is authorized to offer the BC Graduation Program. We also offer an English Language Development Program and a unique University Transfer Program in conjunction with Alexander College. Alexander Academy is dedicated to providing educational programs that inspire students to follow independent paths to success. We recognize that each student has their own academic goals, learning style, passion, and talent. Our teachers are committed to ensuring that each student has the opportunity to challenge themselves academically, enabling them to reach their personal level of academic excellence. Out-of-Classroom Learning Alexander Academy recognizes that students thrive in an environment that has relevance and context to their learning. Through authentic, out-of-classroom learning experiences, students are inspired and obtain in-depth knowledge of the curricular subjects they are studying through active and engaged learning, inquiry, real-world exploration, and challenges.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Equal Balance
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.
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
Physics
Equal Balance
In social justice- inspired programs, literature is not viewed as something to be merely decoded and “appreciated”: rather, it is viewed as a catalyst to social action. Choice of texts tends to favour contemporary works. If a classical text is used, it’s often in the context of social deconstruction: students are asked to critically examine possible prejudices and historical narratives inherent in the work. Like in traditional literature programs, students are often asked to engage in class discussion and critical essay writing, but more time might also be devoted to cooperative group projects and personal reflections. The goal is to teach students to think critically about what they read, while becoming intellectually and physically engaged in the social issues pertaining to their wider community.
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
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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.
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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.
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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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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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.
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
Physical literacy is desired in all students through our co-curricular program in addition to the Physical Education courses. Outdoor education is an important component of our curriculum.
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Not applicable
Reggio Emilia programs aim to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of “projects”, (as opposed to “activities” or “lessons”). Teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. Projects can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. A high degree of parent involvement is also encouraged, particularly when forming curriculums and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia education, check out our comprehensive guide.
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Our Reggio inspired program at Pickering College, offers a dynamic, nurturing and positive learning environment where your child’s curiosity is stimulated, leadership skills are cultivated, and fun-filled interactive learning is meaningful and focused. Small class sizes provide an ideal setting for building a foundation for lifelong learning, as students develop confidence, social conscience and acquire the skills and knowledge for success.
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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.
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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”.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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."
Our aim is to see well-rounded citizens gain acceptance to the university of their dreams.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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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
8 - 12
0%
0%
$0
$0
100%
100%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades JK - 6
No
No
No
No
No
Pickering College is truly a special place for students from Canada and around the world (Boarding from Grade 7 to Grade 12). It is a place where our students and families tell us that they feel warmly welcomed and accepted from the first day that they arrive; where students come to make friendships that last a lifetime and where they feel supported to pursue their dreams. Our programs offer unique opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, leadership development and community service. Our Global Leadership Program, fully integrated from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, builds on our longstanding mission and community service-oriented approach to education. The Global Leadership Program prepares students with the skills needed to be innovative, entrepreneurial, globally-focused and ready to tackle complex global issues. Pickering College is building future global leaders by providing a values-based education that helps students to develop the confidence, knowledge, skills and social conscience to prepare them for university and for life. At Pickering College we focus on the whole child. Students learn to excel, to develop character, to make friends and prepare for future endeavours and opportunities. It’s their community, and the experiences they have at school shape them as they become citizens of the world.
We seek to identify students who will be the best educators of one another and their teachers—individuals who will inspire those around them during their high school years and beyond.
Applicants are required to submit the completed online application, supporting documents and fees, and attend an admissions interview either via Zoom or in person.
