Balmoral Hall School, Private school in Winnipeg, MB

Balmoral Hall is one of those schools that perhaps doesn’t command as significant a profile in the world of private education in Canada, but it should. Established in 1901, it’s seen a few changes along the way, including moves and name changes—it was founded as Havergal College, then later known as Rupert's Land College—as well as amalgamation with the Riverbend School. It’s long been an expression of the civic community, demonstrated by the endowments it’s received through the years. The current campus reflects that; the site was bequeathed to the school by Sir James Aitken, and Aitken house remains in use there today. More recently, through a significant capital campaign, the school opened Benidickson Centre for Arts & Design. Throughout its life, Balmoral Hall has offered a window onto a wider world, offering innovative programs, and developing its own set of best practices, all of which are in ample evidence today. The boarding program, too, offers an added layer to the student experience, both for day students and those living on site. Instruction is student-centred, hands-on, including a robust internship program to provide real-world experience tailored to students’ interests. Indeed, a primary goal is to allow girls to follow and capitalize on their interests, and the list of alumnae hints at that, given its breadth. Included is senator Patricia Bovey, journalist Ashleigh Banfield, and hockey player Taylor Woods (who, as a member of the Balmoral Hall Blazers, set a number of team records that still stand today). The arts are represented, too, most obviously in Loreena McKennitt and Chantal Kreviazuk, both of whom are alumnae. In so many ways, the school has been doing great work for more than a century.

We questioned the school administration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"At Balmoral Hall School, we provide a nurturing environment designed for girls' education. Our purpose is to instill a lifelong passion for learning within welcoming, supportive spaces where girls thrive. As a nondenominational independent day and boarding school, our innovative programs are thoughtfully crafted to offer a personalized educational journey that encourages exploration and growth. We inspire our students to reach their goals, lead with integrity, and care deeply for others and the world around them."

Internship program in Grade 11 provides students with real-world experience in fields of interest
Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics are foundations for excellence
All students have learning opportunities in our new Benidickson Centre for Arts & Design
Grade 9 students look forward to an annual trip to Churchill, Manitoba to study polar bears
Post-secondary discussions start in early years, with formal guidance beginning in Middle School
Prep hockey team has won their league championship and 100 graduates have pursued collegiate hockey
Experiential learning opportunities abound in all grades, including week-long, off-campus sessions
In winter, physical education often includes skating or skiing on Winnipeg's Red River trail
Our Computer Science AP classes have won awards from The College Board in consecutive years
New coursework and co-curriculars in progress including technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

It’s a fast-changing world, and for many girls the path ahead will take them into uncharted territory. Balmoral Hall School’s unlimited learning community fully prepares girls for that future by offering the most innovative educational experience. Every member of the community supports our girls on their individual learning journeys by contributing to their success. Every girl receives an education that is personalized to her strengths, interests, and passions.