Home to the Chandaria Research Centre (CRC), Branksome Hall became one of the rare few school-based research centres of its kind in North America, something that supports and strengthens the academic offering.
Branksome Hall sets high standards, and the ideal student is one who shares its core vision and is able to function in a very diverse, challenging, expansive environment.
The 50-page review of Branksome Hall is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.
One of Branksome Hall’s main values is to seek to empower the students as young women. They bring in a lot of guest speakers with hopes of inspiring students to strive to reach their aspirations, their goals, to discover passions, to start passions, to complete the goals they are passionate about. —From Interview with Branksome Hall alum: Becca Clark.
Branksome Hall’s focus is on educating girls, making them confident, making them resilient, making them think that everything is possible for them, and they are no less than anyone else, and they can pursue all the same fields as boys do, such as STEM and health sciences—that is fantastic. —From 2021 roundtable discussion about Branksome Hall. (The quote comes specifically from Ali Salahuddin, a parent).
Branksome Hall shaped me, beyond my study habits. I was definitely more confident coming out of Branksome than I was going in. The school gave me an understanding that my voice matters, and people want to hear from me in classrooms. I have the confidence to put my hand up if I know the answer or have an idea. —From Interview with Branksome Hall alum: Nora Hodgson.
"Branksome Hall’s commitment to academic excellence, global education, and well-being is something I deeply align with. Branksome teaches girls the skills they need to thrive in a changing world, and I love that my own daughters will be attending the school."
School's Perspective
Compare with:
How Branksome Hall sees itself
The school administration answered our questions
Who are you, as a school?
"Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only leading all-years International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. Our IB Advantage for Girls sparks students’ curiosity and passion for new challenges through our unique combination of outstanding academics, well-being, international mindedness and strong focus on innovation. Our inquiry-based Liberal Arts curriculum is enriched by our four core values: sense of community, inclusiveness, creativity and making a difference. An independent school, Branksome Hall educates 900 students on our 13-acre campus in downtown Toronto. Our state-of-the-art facilities include an Athletics and Wellness Centre, STEAM Studio, Innovation Hub, Makerspaces and flexible learning environments. We offer a Boarding Program and an immersive Study Abroad Program with our sister school, Branksome Hall Asia in South Korea. Our graduates are welcomed by leading universities in Canada, the U.S. and around the world, most with scholarships. More than $1 million in student financial assistance is provided each year. Discover more at www.branksome.on.ca"
13-acre downtown campus
Athletics and Wellness Centre
IB programs: JK to Grade 12
Leadership opportunities
Boarding starting in Grade 7
Holistic approach to teaching and learning
Global opportunities including a sister school in Branksome Hall Asia
A focus on developing entrepreneurial and innovative mindsets
Scholarships and financial aid
What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"As the only independent day and boarding school for girls in Toronto to offer the International Baccalaureate programs (Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme), Branksome students are empowered to discover their passions, find their voice and actively shape positive change. The school has broken ground on a new Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre (iCAST) for the arts and STEM, a first-of-its-kind facility for any JK-Grade 12 institution in Canada."
What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"As a school for girls, Branksome Hall focuses on the unique ways girls learn, investing in research and the development of programs tailored to their brain development. The school offers an IB curriculum that appeals to families seeking an internationally-focused education that foregrounds the liberal arts, distinct from traditional curricula. This approach emphasizes creativity, innovation, and collaboration rather than more traditional academic metrics, such as standardized test scores. By prioritizing an innovator’s mindset, Branksome Hall nurtures students to think creatively and solve problems effectively."
What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Branksome Hall’s IB curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning and critical thinking, making it ideal for students who naturally ask questions and seek to understand the "why" behind concepts. The school's focus on international-mindedness and global citizenship enriches students interested in learning about different cultures and global issues. Families who prioritize thinking outside the box and approaching problems creatively will find alignment with the school’s ethos, as will students who are collaborative, empathetic, and enjoy being part of a supportive community. Families who encourage their daughters to be independent, take initiative, and develop leadership skills will find their values closely aligned with Branksome Hall’s mission."
Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Branksome Hall is a prestigious institution with a strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and global citizenship. However, it might not be the best fit for families who prefer a less rigorous academic program, a coeducational environment, or a traditional educational model.
Families that recognize the value of an inquiry-based IB education in a diverse, urban setting will find alignment at Branksome Hall. Branksome is not a bubble and does not seek to shelter students from real-world events; rather, the school embraces connections to the global community as opportunities to broaden its world-view and engage with multiple perspectives, with an emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration and agency."
To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Branksome's enriched liberal arts program is viewed as the gold standard by universities worldwide. Our excellent location and amazing facilities attract families from all areas of the city, and the world, creating a diverse environment where everyone feels included. The breadth of extra-curricular and leadership opportunities ensure students feel connected to and empowered by our community. Student well-being and social-emotional learning are prioritized to foster healthy relationships."
How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Branksome Hall is respected for its reputation for academic excellence, empowerment of girls and young women, global citizenship, innovation, well-being, and a strong sense of community. With more than 120 years of history, Branksome Hall prepares confident, capable, and globally-minded young women for the future."
What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"The IB is not just about a comprehensive academic experience. The IB curriculum is adaptable and flexible, providing students the opportunity to personalize their educational experiences by selecting subjects that are a good fit for both their interests and their skill development. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, IB teaches students – at every age – to become critical thinkers and effective communicators of their ideas and opinions. As a result, they develop habits that last a lifetime."
What might families find surprising about your school?
"New families to Branksome often comment on the welcoming and caring environment they experience once they join the community. Our inspiring and supportive faculty make learning fun and help students to develop a growth mindset. Students love learning in Branksome's state-of-the-art facilities, including an Athletics and Wellness Centre, STEAM Studio, Innovation Hub, indoor rock-climbing wall, playgrounds, tennis courts, Makerspaces, and through our business incubator program, Noodle."
What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"Branksome Hall’s recent strategy refresh provided an opportunity for the school to reflect on its legacy of academic excellence and leadership in innovation, and to set new goals that align with its priorities for the future. Through its strategy, the school is committed to providing world-class learning and working opportunities; investing in employees; supporting the well-being of students; challenging the status quo through innovation; developing a diverse, equitable and inclusive community; and building strong local, national and global connections. New initiatives include the introduction of IB Select, which provides Senior students with increased flexibility and an alternative pathway to graduation, and the expansion of a Noodle business entrepreneurship program to include opportunities for Junior School students. In 2024, the school welcomed Branksome Hall’s 8th principal, Grace McCallum, who brings the vision, energy and strategic leadership necessary to achieve its goals."
How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Branksome Hall has positioned itself as a leader in global education and technological innovation, and over the next five years will continue to inspire students to explore and realize ideas which have a positive societal impact. With the opening of the Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre (iCAST) in 2025, a brand-new 35,000 square-foot hub for innovation, design and performing arts, students will benefit from access to leading-edge tools and technologies and be inspired to think creatively, take risks and build confidence. A first-of-its-kind space in a Canadian high school, iCAST ensures that Branksome Hall continues to provide an exceptional educational experience, preparing our students for success in a rapidly changing world."
Watch our Branksome Hall Q&A discussion with Devin (Parent), Chile (Parent), Nina (Parent) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.
