7700 Brimley Road, Markham, Ontario, L3R 0E5, Canada
33 Overland Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 2C3, Canada
Indirect Support:
7700 Brimley Road, Markham, Ontario, L3R 0E5, Canada
33 Overland Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 2C3, Canada
1990
1988
Varies
130
JK to 8
JK to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English, French, Mandarin
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Progressive
13 to 18
12 to 16
Learning
In-class adaptations
$14,300
$14,635 to $16,635
Yes
No
5%
0%
1 to 8
None
$0
$0
0
9
0%
0%
95%
0%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 1 - 8
Yes: grades Preschool - 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 reportSmall class sizes, strong academics, a nurturing environment, and a supportive community—Seneca Hill, by any metric, meets and exceeds all the things that families look for in a private education. Founded in 1988, it has a long history in the region, and a consistent leadership throughout. The student population is 120 across K-12, so each student is known, and curriculum is delivered through keen understanding of their strengths, talents, and needs. An attention to project based learning and 21st century literacies is also a plus, as is a dedication to proving strong foundational skills in order to support them.
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"The academic level is higher than average schools."
Boudiguet Bruno - Parent (Nov 16, 2020)
Our two girls spent a semester of studies in Canada. We already feel emotional because that was an u...
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"The academics offered at Seneca Hill are challenging."
Arielle Baubie - Alumnus (Jan 31, 2022)
As a former student of Seneca Hill from Grade 1 -12, I can truly attest to the warm community and ac...
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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."
"With personal goal-setting, enriched academics, STEM programming, athletics, & extracurriculars, our students are motivated and challenged daily. We focus on developing good skills and habits while also supporting our students to become compassionate critical thinkers. We nurture curiosity and actively involve students in developing good work habits, positive attitudes & GRIT in their journey as lifelong learners. It's not unusual to share a high-5 with a teacher or spot our principal playing guitar for students."
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"With faculty that truly cares for your child’s well-being, we provide a rare tight-knit community that feels like home. Our teachers take the time to get to know all students that walk our halls– not just their own. With a warm school culture and a welcoming environment, our students are inspired to confidently make their mark in the world."
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"Families choose Seneca Hill because they feel their child will thrive in a close-knit community that emphasizes skill-building as the foundation for academic success. When families drop their child off at our school, they know their child is well cared for, valued for their unique contributions in the class, and rigorously prepared for future success. This is all underpinned by a focus on skills and growth mindset habits. We use the framework from the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People."
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"At Seneca Hill Private School, we blend rigorous academics with real-world learning, like our annual Science Expo, Career Days, and projects on global issues. This approach prepares students for the future, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Join us to give your child a transformative education where they not only learn but thrive in real-life scenarios. Welcome to where future leaders are shaped!"
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"How much their child can achieve when the right environment and people surround their child. Our goal is not just to have your child do well but to thrive. One way we track this is by understanding how much your child takes academic risks. We want our students to reach as far and wide as possible to discover their passions and dedicate themselves to building strong habits. These habits become the cornerstone of success in their lives both now and in the future."
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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.
Seneca Hill Private School has been in my family for over 35 years and I am proud and excited to continue our tradition of excellence into the future. Over the years our school has developed a reputation for strong academics, a range of athletics and a comprehensive extracurricular program. Inspiring our students to think creatively, critically and analytically, our school stimulates growth and provides a healthy balance between academics and personal development.
As Principal, I am thrilled to carry on the legacy of our founder - and my grandmother - and take our school to the next level. I believe in a school culture that supports students in becoming independent and lifelong learners. We understand that as educators, we can't just teach the standard material. We must go above and beyond the classroom to give students the opportunity to demonstrate, exercise, perform, and build skills and experiences in their lives that cultivate success.
We welcome all children and seek to understand all aspects of their abilities and learning styles. We are pleased to offer your child a personalized educational experience. We instill confidence in our students to act with purpose and strive for excellence. We foster a bully-free environment and teach conflict resolution, so that our students become strong collaborators who work towards solving complex problems.
My promise to each of our students and families is open communication. The success of your child is of utmost importance to us. I look forward to helping your child unlock their true potential.
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.
We provide an enriched curriculum for students to discover, experiment and engage with the material. All students learn coding, gain practice with critical thinking and enrich their analytical thinking skills. Students are given the space, materials to grow, while supportive and caring teachers help motivate and mentor students to success.
Equal Balance
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.
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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.
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Inquiry
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
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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
Thematic
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.
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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.
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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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Not applicable
Not applicable
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Not applicable
Not applicable
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Academic
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.
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.
In Pursuit of excellence in Academic, Language and Performing Arts Education
We use leading research on early childhood development to provide a comprehensive program that is responsive to the socio-emotional, physical and burgeoning academic needs of your child. It is here that your child explores their environment, become curious about the world and develops crucial social-emotional skills. Our program integrates play-based learning, academic skills, gross- and fine-motor development, and above all else, a fun and happy place to grow.
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 “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”.
In a supportive and student-centered environment, our teachers motivate and encourage students to perform their very best. We do this through classroom interactions, inter-school competitions, and high academic expectations placed on students. We promote lifelong learning by combining curiosity and critical thinking throughout our curriculum.
"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."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Physical
The goal is to cultivate "strong, ?exible - bodied and active individuals, in tune with the joys of movement, sport and wellness."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
We are so proud of our graduates, who have gone through our educational system and emerge confident in themselves, empathetic about those around them and aware of the global currents that affect their lives. Through unique experiences, a faculty that mentors and a school culture that promotes empathy and personal growth, our students become leaders in their lives and in their careers.
FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
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| Forms of Support | Environments | Forms of Support | Environments | |
ADHD (moderate to severe) This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life. | ||||
| Learning disabilities | ||||
Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment. | ||||
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language. | ||||
Dyscalculia This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money. | ||||
Dysgraphia This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas. | ||||
Language Processing Disorder This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
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Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills. | ||||
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination. | ||||
| Developmental | ||||
Autism Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome). | ||||
Asperger's Syndrome On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour. | ||||
Down syndrome his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics. | ||||
Intellectual disability This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation). | ||||
Williams syndrome This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems. | ||||
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems. | ||||
| Behavioral and Emotional | ||||
Troubled behaviour / troubled teens roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. | ||||
Clinical Depression This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life. | ||||
Clinical anxiety This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror. | ||||
Suicidal thoughts This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life. | ||||
Drug and alcohol abuse This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning. | ||||
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning. | ||||
| Physical | ||||
Multiple sclerosis This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties. | ||||
Cerebral palsy his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. | ||||
Muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals. | ||||
Spina Bifida This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine. | ||||
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech. | ||||
Blindness Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness." | ||||
Deafness Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds). | ||||
Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults. | ||||
Multiple physical Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities. | ||||
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Accommodations
Modifications
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
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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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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
5%
0%
$0
$0
95%
0%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 1 - 8
Yes: grades Preschool - 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.
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.
