16945 Bayview Avenue, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 4X2, Canada
11 Headdon Gate, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4C 9W9, Canada
16945 Bayview Avenue, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 4X2, Canada
11 Headdon Gate, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4C 9W9, Canada
1842
2003
440
Varies
JK to 12
Preschool to 12
Coed
Coed
Day, Boarding
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
Traditional
18 to 20
8 to 10
Dedicated gifted school
$26,520 to $32,130
$11,250 to $15,000
$63,855 to $67,075
Yes
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
29
0
26%
0%
100%
90%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades JK - 8
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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"...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...
View full review
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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.
Prestige sets a high bar for its students, academically as well as socially and ethically. The program is designed and delivered to meet the needs of students functioning at the top of their peer groups. There is a close-knit feel within the student body, and an ongoing attention to the needs and development of each student as he or she progresses through the curriculum. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a challenging yet supportive environment and looking to learn within a peer group that consists of like-minded and similarly abled students.
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At Pickering College, our fully-integrated Global Leadership Program (JK to Grade 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 440 students, just 40 minutes north of Toronto, is a safe and respectful community where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging. From JK to Grade 12, small classes ensure individualized attention. Enhanced by the use of technology, we provide unique, enriched and meaningful learning opportunities. Our diverse co-curricular programs include athletics such as soccer, basketball, hockey, softball, skating, snowboarding, skiing, equestrian, tennis, volleyball and mountain biking. Students can participate on one of Canada’s only CRTC-licensed high-school operated radio stations, instrumental and vocal music, and a range of clubs such as our Debate Team and Youth Action Organization. Our students experience a school that is intimate in size and global in perspective. Students choose Pickering College because of our strong school community and 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.
Prestige School Richmond Hill offers a strong academic program for students in Preschool to Grade 12. Students in PS to Grade 8 will benefit from an advanced curriculum, full of enrichment and opportunities to acquire new skills and apply their knowledge in various subject areas. High school students are offered individualized instruction on evenings and Saturdays, and are accepted to the university of their choice. We have excellent facilities, a convenient location and before- and after-school care.
Pickering College is a very special place. Founded in 1842, we are a place that has a tradition of academic excellence based on almost 175 years of pioneering and original teaching and learning. Yet we are also a place that has a compelling and exciting future guided by a focus on innovation and creativity in a global context. It is this strong foundation and clear vision that allow us to prepare our students to be citizens and leaders in the 21st century.
Throughout this profile, you will learn about the school and the programs we offer in a co-educational setting, that welcomes day students from our local communities (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12) and international students from around the world (Grades 7 to 12).
I think what will really strike you is the degree to which students and teachers work together to create the learning experience. Our school is successful, and has always been successful, because our teachers create a caring, compassionate, safe yet challenging environment in which our students feel empowered to take risks and are encouraged to lead. Truly, we are a school unlike any other.
If you are looking for a deeper educational experience for your child – an experience that sees and inspires the unique inner potential of every student – then I encourage you to start here. If you are looking for a broader educational experience for your child that uncovers all aspects of their unique talents and gifts – academic, artistic, athletic and altruistic – then I encourage you to proceed through these pages. And, if you are looking
for a richer educational experience – focusing on values, character, leadership and creating the future – then I encourage you to come to Pickering College, visit and understand for yourself why our school is so extraordinary.
Peter C. Sturrup
Headmaster
Dear parents,
Every morning I wake up excited to take my two children to school. As both their mother and principal, I rest easy knowing that they are entering a stimulating learning environment wherein they are well supported by our dynamic and dedicated staff.
The dedication of our staff plays a huge role in the success of our students, my own children included. Our close-knit community, made possible by small class sizes, ensures that each of our students receives an individualized education. You will never have to wonder how your child is doing; our teachers will tell you because they care.
Located in the diverse city of Toronto, Prestige School prides itself on a student body that reflects the multicultural city of Toronto. Our school boasts international students from all corners of the world, with some of our students speaking several languages. It is for this reason that Prestige School offers language courses as early as preschool. We want our students to be well equipped to thrive in today’s global economy.
However, academics are not enough to develop a well-rounded child. That is why we pride ourselves on our community. But what exactly is our school community? Our school community is the taste of every food imaginable during our International Café, the sound of ear-splitting cheers on Sports Day, the sight of our graduates walking proudly across the stage, diplomas in hand. It is the feeling of making a difference.
Because a picture is worth a thousand words, I urge you to browse our photo gallery. The smiling faces of our students will tell you much more than I am able to in a letter. We invite you to come and see us in action and would be happy to book you an appointment to discuss your own child’s educational needs.
Happy learning!
Olga Margold
Traditional
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.
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.
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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
At Prestige School, we offer an enriched and accelerated curriculum with subjects taught one to two grade levels above the standard curriculum. Our academic program provide students with a great opportunity to experience a multitude of courses and various learning styles and strategies. It challenges each student intellectually, artistically and physically through a rigorous and innovative curriculum and an extensive co-curricular program. Our academic curriculum is academically challenging, with students being taught by teachers who specialize in the content knowledge of each subject. Starting in kindergarten, students have specialists in French, computer science, music, art and drama. Starting in grade 5, students further specialize in science, which includes biology, chemistry and physics.
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.
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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.
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
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.
Information not available
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.
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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
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
Core Knowledge
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.
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
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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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Information not available
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.
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
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
Medium 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.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Information not available
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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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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.
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.
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.
Our enriched program that incorporates learning opportunities in the subjects strands of Mathematics, Language, Science, Music, French, Gym, Dance and the Visual Arts. Kindergarten program helps to foster the development of many important social, emotional and academic skills. Our program provides opportunities for teacher-guided and student-guided learning experiences. In addition, we use a lot of hands-on exploration of concepts to support their understanding of the world around them.
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
Supportive
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 “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."
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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."
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Pickering College |
Prestige School - Richmond Hill Campus |
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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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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
0%
0%
$0
$0
100%
90%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades JK - 6
Yes: grades 2 - 8
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 look for students who possess and can represent our three core values: wisdom, courage and integrity.
Prestige School offers a unique learning environment designed to meet the child's individual needs and encourage each student to pursue integrity and excellence. We help all perspective students and their parents to become familiar with the School, our programmes, and our educational philosophy.
Admission Criteria
On receipt of the Application Form, students applying to our Kindergarten programme will be invited for a class visit. Applicants to the Kindergarten programme are encouraged to bring a photograph or story book to generate conversation (please no toys), and to assist with verbal skills assessment.
