What makes a Round Square school unique?
Round Square schools in Canada are part of an international association of schools committed to experiential learning and character education. While each school has its own identity, programs, and academic approach, Round Square schools share a commitment to helping students learn through action, reflection, service, challenge, and engagement with the wider world.
These schools emphasize the IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. In practice, this may include student-led initiatives, community service, environmental projects, outdoor education, leadership development, international exchanges, conferences, and partnerships with other Round Square schools.
Community involvement is central to the Round Square approach. Students may participate in local, national, or international service projects, depending on the school and the opportunities available. These experiences are intended to help students develop empathy, responsibility, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of the communities they are part of.
The name “Round Square” originates from a 17th-century building at Gordonstoun School in Scotland, one of the founding institutions. Round Square is also influenced by the educational philosophy of Kurt Hahn, who believed that education should extend beyond academic instruction and help young people develop courage, compassion, self-discipline, resilience, and a commitment to service.
What should parents consider before choosing a Round Square school?
Before selecting a Round Square school, parents should look beyond the school’s membership in the network and ask how deeply the Round Square IDEALS shape the student experience. Useful questions to ask include:
- How are Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service built into the curriculum and co-curricular program?
- Are Round Square opportunities available to many students, or only to a small group?
- What kinds of service, leadership, outdoor education, exchanges, conferences, or global projects do students actually participate in?
- How does the school help students reflect on these experiences and connect them to personal growth?
- How does the school balance academic preparation with character development, resilience, responsibility, and global awareness?
- What evidence can the school provide that students develop confidence, initiative, compassion, and a broader sense of responsibility?
- How well does the school’s overall environment fit your child’s personality, interests, needs, and readiness for challenge?
As with any school search, families should also consider academic programs, teaching approach, class size, student support, extracurricular opportunities, location, boarding or day options, and overall school culture. Speaking with school leaders, current parents, students, and alumni can help you understand how the Round Square philosophy is experienced in daily school life.
For more information on Round Square schools, attend one of OUR KIDS’ annual private school expos.
