55 Deblaquire Street North, Port Hope, Ontario, L1A 4K7, Canada
2 Ridley Road, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 7C3, Canada
Indirect Support:
55 Deblaquire Street North, Port Hope, Ontario, L1A 4K7, Canada
2 Ridley Road, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 7C3, Canada
1865
1889
570
797
5 to 12
JK to 12
Coed
Coed
Day, Boarding
Day, Boarding
English
English
Academic
Academic
Liberal Arts
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
12 to 16
17 to 18
Learning, Developmental
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
Accelerated curriculum
$31,000 to $41,500
$29,455 to $43,835
$57,000 to $83,000
$74,745 to $82,975
Yes
Yes
33%
21%
5 to 12
5 to 12
$20,000
$15,892
71
53
49%
45%
75%
61%
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Yes: grades 5 - 12
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
Trinity College School is one of the oldest boarding schools in Canada and, having been founded two years prior to confederation, is indeed older than the country itself. While it looks entirely different than it did when it was founded—there are no original buildings, nor does it sit at the same site as it did in 1865—the core values remain: quality academics with an eye to educating students into positions of social, professional, and political leadership. Academic achievement is highly valued—this is a school, as many will tell you, where it is cool to be smart—though tolerance, personal expression, and consideration of others are equally important. Service is central to the ethos of the school, as underscored by a robust program of service learning dedicated to developing opportunities within the local community and beyond.
Read The Our Kids Review of Trinity College School
Ridley expresses so many of the great traditions of private school, and it comes by all of them absolutely honestly. The school was founded in 1889, making it one of the oldest schools in the country. It began life as an Anglican boys’ school—it was named after an Anglican Bishop—but is non-denominational today, and has been co-ed since 1973. That said, many of the traditions that inform the life of the school date to the founding, including chapel meetings that serve to bring the school together around shared events and shared values. The school maintains a cadet corps, the largest of its kind in Canada. The chapel, and indeed all of the buildings that comprise the campus, are, frankly, gorgeous. It’s easily one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. The strategic plan, implemented in 2014, provided an opportunity to take stock of the school at the time of its 125th anniversary, including a dedication to maintaining a global perspective across the breadth of the curriculum. Throughout its long history Ridley has maintained a reputation as one of the best schools in Canada, one that no doubt will remain for very many years to come. The ideal student is one who arrives predisposed to make the most of the wide range of academic and extra-curricular opportunities that will be made available to them.
Read The Our Kids Review of Ridley College
Trinity is one of the oldest boarding schools in Canada and, having been founded two years prior to confederation, is indeed older than the country itself. While it looks entirely different than it did when it was founded—there are no original buildings, nor does it sit at the same site as it did in 1865—the core values remain: quality academics with an eye to educating students into positions of social, professional, and political leadership. Academic achievement is highly valued—this is a school, as many will tell you, where it is cool to be smart—though tolerance, personal expression, and consideration of others are equally important. Service is central to the ethos of the school, as underscored by a robust program of service learning managed by a director dedicated to developing opportunities within the local community and beyond. The ideal student is one who responds well to challenge.
View full reportRidley expresses so many of the great traditions of private school, and it comes by all of them absolutely honestly. The school was founded in 1889, making it one of the oldest schools in the country. It began life as an Anglican boys’ school—it was named after an Anglican Bishop—but is non-denominational today, and has been co-ed since 1973. That said, many of the traditions that inform the life of the school date to the founding, including chapel meetings that serve to bring the school together around shared events and shared values. The school maintains a cadet corps, the largest of its kind in Canada. The chapel, and indeed all of the buildings that comprise the campus, are, frankly, gorgeous. It’s easily one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. The strategic plan, implemented in 2014, provided an opportunity to take stock of the school at the time of its 125th anniversary, including a dedication to maintaining a global perspective across the breadth of the curriculum. Throughout its long history Ridley has maintained a reputation as one of the best schools in Canada, one that no doubt will remain for very many years to come. The ideal student is one who arrives predisposed to make the most of the wide range of academic and extra-curricular opportunities that will be made available to them.
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" ... everyone is truly welcoming"
Mariam Omilabu - Student (Jan 23, 2018)
Being at Trinity College school is like moving away from home, feeling terrified and lost, then grad...
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"Beate Mundo Corde: Blessed are the pure in heart... truer words could not be said about the people of Trinity College School."
Benjamin Glassco - Alumnus (Jan 25, 2018)
"Beate Mundo Corde": Blessed are the pure in heart. Adorned on the school's crest and displayed on t...
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"I felt like the luckiest person in the world"
Jocelyn Murphy - Alumnus (Jan 26, 2018)
My time at Trinity was so special. I spent four years there in both day and boarding programs, and I...
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"TCS attracts motivated students locally, nationally, and internationally because we respect each person as we do their cultures. Day and boarding families alike realize that our campus is 100 acres of home, where our students quickly become a close-knit, extended family. Our faculty work with each student, using the right amount of challenge and encouragement to help each student realize what’s possible because we know that students achieve great things when they feel supported. Graduates develop that rare confidence that comes from knowing that they have been deeply understood and they start truly valuing themselves as well as others."
"Ridley College is an independent day and boarding school for students in JK through Grade 12. As leaders in positive education and wellbeing education, we teach the habits of mind, body, and spirit so that students are primed for learning and success–now and long after graduation. Our learner-centred and inquiry-based learning approaches are enhanced by the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy–a comprehensive and rigorous program that challenges and sets students apart, empowering them to excel and grow."
"At TCS, each student is valued for what they uniquely bring to the community because individuality matters here. Our students are surrounded by people who only want the best for them. We support them to find their personal path so that they are ready to realize their potential. Graduates develop that rare confidence that comes from knowing that they have been deeply understood and they start what's next truly valuing themselves as well as others."
"Ridley is a leader in positive education and wellbeing education. We aim to teach students the habits needed to lead flourishing lives by deliberately and consciously applying the science behind positive education. We house the largest boarding programme in Ontario and the third largest in Canada. Every Ridleian belongs to one of our ten Houses and is supported by our unrivalled circle of care and engaged with vibrant, challenging, modern programmes to nurture and mentor them on their journeys."
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"Students can get a fresh start and go as deep as they want, exploring, discovering, and focusing, with abundant options. Our variety of electives and co-curriculars offer students opportunities to try something new and go deeper with what they may already love. Faculty works with each student, with the right amount of challenge and encouragement to foster a high level of independence. Each student is valued for what they uniquely bring to the community because individuality matters here."
"Our families are looking for a place that will academically and emotionally prepare their children for university. Most commonly, we hear our families love the warmth of our community, our positivity, and the individualized care we provide, along with our strong academics and activities. They further appreciate our passion for making all who step onto our campus feel like they belong and our celebration of cultural diversity and global perspective while maintaining a rich Canadian legacy."
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"People see our buildings, they feel the community when they come onto campus. What they maybe don’t see, at least at first, is the work our faculty works with each student, using the right amount of challenge and encouragement to help each student realize what’s possible because at TCS students achieve great things when they feel supported."
"The Ridley community is often called the Ridley family. All Ridleians belong to a broader community of peers, faculty, parents, and alumni. As a boarding school, our lifeblood is community connection and relationship building across age groups, generations, and identity groups, creating a strong feeling of belonging that defines and sustains us. Students make lifelong connections with peers from around the globe, maintaining friendships across time zones, forever shaped by the Ridley experience."
"At TCS, an excellent education means students remain open to learning throughout life and doing something positive with what they have learned. Our students realize their "why" as we nurture and further develop their good character."
"Our commitment to service is more than just words. Service helps students develop strengths in empathy, compassion, and kindness while emphasizing the importance of giving. People feel a deeper sense of fulfilment and meaning in their lives when they give to others, and our students learn to realize and appreciate this as one of the pillars of a flourishing life through supporting local House charities, participating in weekly service opportunities and optional global service trips and more."
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For more than 140 years, Trinity College School (TCS) has been internationally recognized for excellence in educating young people. It is no surprise that our challenging and encouraging environment has helped TCS graduates gain entrance to top universities around the world, and that our alumni are leaders in their communities. But this is just half the story.
TCS has always been keenly involved in character development, as reflected in our mission, “developing habits of the heart and mind for a life of purpose and service.” Given the challenges facing our planet today, we know our students will be called upon to lead their communities, their colleagues, their cause and, in some cases, their countries. If we are to best prepare our students to meet these challenges, we must inspire them to become leaders of character, purpose and vision.
At TCS we think that the quality of character determines the quality of leader. As such, we challenge our students to establish worthy goals and to act to good purpose. We cultivate integrity in our students. We encourage honest and constructive conduct. And, on the strength of our people, our programme and our place, we help to develop leaders who are broad-minded, intelligent, thoughtful and confident.
If you are considering Trinity College School as a destination, I trust that this Web site will provide you with many of the details you desire.
However, in order to truly experience the strong, supportive community that is TCS, I would like to extend an open invitation to visit us in person. I can promise you that the caring and energizing environment that we foster and enjoy will prove unique from any other school you may have visited.
I very much look forward to welcoming you to campus.
Sincerely,
Stuart K.C. Grainger
Headmaster
Welcome to Ridley!
One of the favourite times of my day is the opportunity to walk the halls of Ridley College, drop in on classrooms and watch active learning in action. At Ridley College, you will find that students are engaged in exploring new ideas, debating eternal questions and solving relevant problems. Learning is student-centered and exciting to witness!
In our Lower School, you will discover inquiry-based learning in all classrooms from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Students engage with ‘big ideas’ and pursue essential and enduring questions – ‘what is an economy and how does it impact the human experience?” You’ll see students Skype interviewing an anthropologist from Kansas. You’ll hear the excitement of innovation in the robotics lab.
In our Upper School, you will meet young adults who confidently pursue their passions – academic inquiry, athletic endeavour, or artistic expression. You will see focused and disciplined students leading a Socratic seminar in a literature class, singing a solo in Chapel or persevering through a two-kilometer time trial in our indoor rowing tank.
Cultivating the full potential of each student requires a caring, committed and world-class faculty. The task also requires intimate relationships that are built day by day, year after year. At Ridley, you’ll find a community of adults who are excited to build those relationships. As a boarding school, Ridley provides students with a 24/7 experience that will help them cultivate those lifelong bonds with peers and adults alike – in the classroom, in the House, on the ice or in the theatre.
The reality is that one cannot be certain what children and young adults can do until we challenge them to be their best. At Ridley, students are surrounded by peers who share their sense of purpose, who believe in the value of hard work and who are building the courage to pursue their dreams. Add to this the experience and care of a community of adults who are dedicated to nurturing their potential, and you have the Ridley formula.
I hope that our website offers you a glimpse into the life of our unique community of learners and that you are inspired to look deeper into the Ridley experience. Check out our YouTube channel to get a real glimpse into the Ridley difference. Better yet, I invite you to visit the School to soak in its idyllic setting, to experience classes in action, to meet teachers and Head of Houses' and to talk with students. We warmly welcome you and your family to Ridley.
I look forward to greeting you on campus in the near future.
Come experience the legacy that is a Ridley education.
J. Edward Kidd
Headmaster
Progressive
International Baccalaureate
Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
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.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
As our families and students appreciate, a high school diploma is only the beginning step towards achieving long-term goals of post-secondary education and career advancement. Our academic program is an opportunity for our students to show that they are capable of managing deadlines and completing specific tasks, which are important skills for any post-secondary program. Academic programming has been carefully designed to prepare students for the challenges of university study, and the wide range of courses, in addition to the School’s emphasis upon learning skills and a personal approach to learning, reinforce our compelling academic vision. We strive to provide opportunities to bring out the very best in every TCS learner by helping students balance their individual aptitudes, the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and university admission requirements.
A ticket to the world in your hand, the keys to knowledge in your pocket, true friends by your side, and the resources of a legacy at your back. Ridley College is a school of the world that prepares students for the world. Co-educational, Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 with a Post-Graduate option and boarding beginning in Grade 6, Ridley College is certified in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, making Ridley one of 15 International Baccalaureate continuum schools in Canada and the only co-educational boarding school in Canada with this distinction. A Canadian school born of the new world yet built on classical British boarding school roots, Ridley offers students a forward-looking and rigorous university preparatory education relevant to the most selective colleges and universities around the globe.
Equal Balance
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.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Although TCS primarily takes a traditional approach to mathematics, critical thinking and the application of concepts and skills is emphasized in each course and at each grade level. Mathematics teachers are highly collaborative and develop course lessons and materials in teams. Students are also expected to work collaboratively and learn the importance of practice, critique and revision when working toward mastery. Students may avail themselves of a variety of learning supports including the use of the ‘Math Learning Center’ which is open to students throughout the academic day and three evenings each week. The use of technology (including graphing calculators, online interactive graphing tools and video lessons) is embedded in daily lessons and on assessments. Students with a passion for mathematics are encouraged to challenge themselves by sitting the University of Waterloo mathematics contests that run throughout the academic year.
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Mathematics courses primarily use the McGraw-Hill Ryerson published textbooks, designed for the Ontario curriculum. Some exceptions include AP Calculus (Stewart. Single Variable Calculus, Early Transcendentals, 7th edition) and AP Statistics (Bock, Velleman, De Veaux, STATS Modeling the World, 4th Edition).
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Students are required to use the Ti-84 series of graphing calculators. Students learn course specific calculator skills during lessons and may use them on assessments, including the final exam. Calculators with ‘QWERTY’ keyboards are not permitted.
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Not applicable
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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.
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.
At TCS, writing is used to harness and develop the power of self-expression. Texts studies serve as models for students’ own writing and to stimulate their creative faculties. There is a focus across disciplines on using language with precision and clarity, and incorporating stylistic devices appropriately and effectively. For example, in the AP Language & Composition course, students not only deconstruct the rhetorical and literary merit of pieces, but learn how to craft their own compelling arguments. In the lower grades we specifically teach grammar and vocabulary is taught through literature.
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Inquiry
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
The science program at TCS has been developed such that students learn the essential content and skills that will prepare them for the challenges of the next grade level, beginning from Grade 9 and leading to AP courses. Grade 9 and 10 science classes introduce students to the disciplines of chemistry, physics and biology and explore the interrelationships between science, technology, society and the environment. There is a focus on student-directed approaches to inquiry to give them greater ownership in the experimental process and collaboration with lab peers. The importance of fair, unbiased experimental designs to test hypotheses is underscored, as is the proper graphing and written form of displaying and explaining data. Grade 11 and 12 science students will continue to refine these skills as they engage with more in-depth content. Problem solving and analysis skills are emphasized in order to further develop their critical thinking.
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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
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
English courses at Trinity College School are designed to enhance students’ abilities to critically analyze and appreciate literature through the study of a wide array of novels, plays, poems, and short stories. Students focus not only on what a literary text means but also how a text conveys that meaning. Students are taught to use academic language coherently and confidently as well as to select reading strategies best suited to particular texts and particular purposes for reading. Our courses are thematically based and expose students to works ranging from the Elizabethan era to the 21st Century. Unique opportunities offered in our department include a Grade 10 cross-curricular English and History Travel Education course; AP Language and Composition; AP Literature and Composition; and a selection of Grade 12 courses that focus on a common subject, including Holocaust Literature, African Literature, Middle Eastern Literature, and Alienation Literature.
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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
Not applicable
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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In addition to teaching course content, a particular focus in our social studies curriculum is helping our students to be knowledgeable and discerning consumers of information, including both online and textual resources. Students are taught specific skills for developing and refining research questions. We also work to develop proper research techniques and skills for verifying and authenticating online information. Students are also given various opportunities to communicate their knowledge, in spoken, written and multimedia formats.
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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.
The delivery of the social sciences and humanities at Trinity College School seeks an equal balanced approach between perennialism and pragmatism. Fostering a strong theoretical understanding of the relationship between politics, culture, and the economy offers a staging point to critically analyse the issues of the day from a Canadian and global context. Students have an opportunity to explore current public debates about social justice issues and social policy. They critically examine the links between economic and social class disparities; religion; human rights; race, racism, and anti-racism, gender and sexuality; health and education; and environmental concerns on a local and global level. Students receive a solid foundation in research methods and theories, building their analytical skills in order to properly prepare them to contribute to making the world a better place, which is in keeping with our mission.
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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.
Fluency in the languages and cultures studied at TCS is critical training for contemporary citizenship. Literacy is the aim, one that affords connection preparing students for the 21st century. Languages, both classical and modern, challenge students to blend critical thinking, analytical practices, and performative advocacy in ways that highlight the interplay of curricular application and extension. A variety of efforts are made to facilitate cross-disciplinary study stemming from student interest in topics that encourage collaborative, creative thinking using a cultural framework. Language is the tie that binds communities affording students the occasion both to learn how to speak and how to listen.
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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
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
The Arts are driven by passion, imagination, creativity, discipline, energy, and joy. This is what we work with every day to produce artistic thought, feeling, and action through music, drama, and visual art. We love what we do and we do it well. Our students graduate with a life-long love of the arts and a deep understanding of culture and their place in it.
Teaching the Visual Arts at Ridley College is a unique privilege as the school offers world class studio resources and a student body that brings to the learning experience a diverse range of cultural perspectives. The first key role of art education is to facilitate the development of fundamental skills that enhance a student’s capacity to engage with tasks involving refined hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning and fine motor control. Through the careful observation required for various drawing, painting and sculpting exercises, students enhance their visual acuity and sensitivity to the complexity of the visual world. The second key role of art education is the development of an awareness of art as an essential component of civilization. Most importantly, students gain an understanding of why creativity, self-expression and the pursuit of aesthetic form are fundamental aspects of life.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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.
The Computer Studies Department is partitioned into two streams, Communications Technology and Computer Science. Within each stream, students develop skills that allow them to explore the fundamentals and use of computers, and applications within, and apply their skills to produce varied and creative work. The Communications Technology stream emphasizes the creative process, and how technology aids in the development of unique products. Digital graphic design, photography, sound production and videography are the primary concepts of these courses, each implementing rigorous critique and focusing on the design life cycle. Within the Computer Science stream, students gain a deeper understanding of computers, and learn how computers can be manipulated to solve real-world problems. Areas of investigation include program design, computer hardware, algorithm analysis, big data, robotics, and electronics. While exploring these streams, students gain a better understanding of the power of computers, and learn to maximize their use in today’s world.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
At TCS, health and physical education (HPE) is mandatory in grade nine. Courses are offered at all grade levels, including focus courses such as large group games (grade 10) and outdoor education (grade 11). Two grade twelve course options exist with Intro to Kinesiology, and Fitness Leadership. Teachers in the HPE department are experts in the field of healthy active living and many are high level coaches. More importantly, the teachers in HPE department are caring individuals, who strive to see students achieve personal achievements, reach goals and have fun during the experience. The knowledge and skills acquired in HPE courses at TCS provides students with the physical literacy and health literacy they need to lead healthy, active lives.
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Academic
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.
The Kindergarten programme at Ridley College provides a rich and stimulating inquiry and play-based learning environment that enables students to develop a sense of curiosity and an understanding of the world around them. Classroom materials and artifacts are carefully selected to support student learning and spark creativity. The Kindergarten programme at Ridley College not only supports holistic development of the child - cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development - it provides learning opportunities that instill growth-mindset and support overall well-being, mental health, and resiliency in each child.
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).
With an average class size of 15 students, TCS provides a highly personal approach to learning. Students are supported inside and outside the classroom with dedicated faculty and substantial extra-help opportunities. All Senior School courses have a robust online learning management system to support student achievement.
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”.
Trinity College School offers a broad and rigorous curriculum in which students may concentrate in areas of personal interest. At TCS, education is collaborative, rich in discussion, and writing-intensive. We believe that learning is an active process that fosters habits of the heart and mind while challenging all students to communicate effectively and to think both critically and creatively.
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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."
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
TCS has always been keenly involved in character development, as reflected in our mission, “developing habits of the heart and mind for a life of purpose and service.” Given the challenges facing our planet today, we know our students will be called upon to lead their communities, their colleagues, their cause and, in some cases, their countries. If we are to best prepare our students to meet these challenges, we must inspire them to become leaders of character, purpose and vision.
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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
Extra support
Accommodations
Extra support
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Students with Identified Learning Disabilities (full psycho-educational assessment no more than 3 years old) or other diagnosed needs, are supported through additional support programs such as Learning Strategies Courses, or Academic Support periods. Their test/exam accommodations are based on the recommendations in the psycho-educational assessment. They may include; Extended time, use of a laptop or scribe, alternative, distraction-reduced environment or additional breaks. TCS does not modify the curriculum.
Information not available
Students with clinically diagnosed learning disabilities can be successful at Trinity College School if they do not require modifications to the curriculum and if they are engaged learners willing to accept strategies and supports from their teachers. Generally, these students have LDs that are moderate in nature. Students who surface as having academic challenges while at Trinity College School, are provided with additional academic assistance, learning seminars, and strategies. If initial supports do not improve the status of student achievement, the school may recommend a full psycho-educational assessment to investigate the nature of the academic challenge.
Information not available
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
5 - 12
5 - 12
33%
21%
$20,000
$15,892
75%
61%
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Yes: grades 5 - 12
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 5 - 12
No
No
Yes: grades 4 - 12
No
No
Trinity College School take a holistic view during the admissions process to determine a candidates suitability for our program in an effort to determine fit in three broad categories, academics, extra curriculars and community. Applicants that can demonstrate that they will thrive in our challenging university program, participate in athelitcs, arts and extra curricular programing as well as be a positive member of our caring community are likely to gain entry and thrive at TCS.
The Ridley Admissions Committee looks for students who are engaged and motivated individuals. The Committee looks for students who demonstrate potential to make a positive contribution to the Ridley community and who will take advantage of the many opportunities available at the school - in the classroom and boarding houses, as well as in the arts, athletics, leadership, and community service activities. Students who are well-rounded, open-minded, enthusiastic, and academically-focused are encouraged to apply.
Admission Requirements
Admission to TCS is based on:
How to Apply
There are eight essential pieces of information that must be received by the School before a candidate's file will be considered for admissions:
Send to:
Admissions Office
Trinity College School
55 Deblaquire Street North
Port Hope, ON, L1A 4K7
Canada
The SSAT is only a requirement for those students applying for a merit-based scholarship.
Application Fees
Registration Fees
Domestic Day:
Domestic Boarding: $3,500
International Boarding: $4,000 (one-time registration fee) + $4,500 (estimated incidental fees) = $8,500 (total confirmation fee (non-refundable))
