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Each day at Branksome Hall, we challenge and inspire girls to love learning and to shape a better world. Established in 1903, Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only all-girls, all-years International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Our liberal arts education creates independent thinkers, strong writers and skilled communicators. Located on a beautiful, 13-acre, downtown campus with state-of-the-art facilities, Branksome offers our students an outstanding academic program, with opportunities to learn, first-hand, about international mindedness and well-being. From the earliest grades, students learn to become leaders and to understand the value of serving the community. Our graduates are welcomed by the leading universities in Canada and around the world, most with scholarships. Discover Branksome Hall’s remarkable programs and campus at www.branksome.on.ca.
Clans and tartans, prefects and polo shirts—the initial gestalt is very traditional. Some of the buildings on campus are heritage buildings, which adds to the luster, though they pre-date the founding of the school. Still, the spirit of the school is strikingly modern. The IB program starts early, as does the view to globalism. Branksome has a sister campus in South Korea, offering a hint of the dedication to an international gaze. Lists of notable alumni don't always reflect the work of the school—princes, for example, appear on those lists no matter what they achieve at school or afterward—though Branksome might prove the exception, in part because of the consistency of the achievement it demonstrates. Arts, letters, philanthropy, and leadership are all well represented in the list of notable alumni, just as they are within the school itself. Branksome Hall sets its sights very high, to be sure, and the ideal student is one who shares the core vision and is able to function in a very diverse, challenging, expansive environment.
Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of Branksome Hall.
Promotional video for Branksome Hall.
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.
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Primary Years | |
| Middle Years | |
| Diploma program | |
| Career-related program |
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Biology | |
| Chemistry | |
| Ecology | |
| Geology | |
| Meteorology | |
| Physics | |
| Physiology | |
| Zoology |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Evolution as consensus theory | |
| Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
| Evolution is not taught |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Acting | |
| Dance | |
| Drama/Theatre | |
| Graphic Design | |
| Music | |
| Visual Arts |
| Expressive | |
| Disciplined |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Computer science | |
| Robotics | |
| Web design |
| Flexible pacing style | offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
Students remain in a regular classroom for most of the day, but are pulled out for extra support from a qualified special education teacher.
| Subject Ttype | offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
| Subject Ttype | offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
Curriculum delivery: This information is not currently available.
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
| Sports Offered | Competitive | Recreational |
|---|---|---|
| Badminton | ||
| Baseball | ||
| Basketball | ||
| Downhill skiing | ||
| Fencing | ||
| Field Hockey | ||
| Football | ||
| Golf | ||
| Ice Hockey | ||
| Ice Skating | ||
| Lacrosse | ||
| Rowing | ||
| Rugby | ||
| Running | ||
| Soccer | ||
| Softball | ||
| Squash | ||
| Swimming | ||
| Tennis | ||
| Track & Field | ||
| Volleyball | ||
| Weightlifting |
| Clubs Offered |
|---|
| Foreign Language Club |
| Jazz Ensemble |
| Math Club |
| Musical theatre/Opera |
| Outdoor Club |
| Outdoor Education |
| Photography |
| Poetry/Literature club |
| Robotics club |
| School newspaper |
| Science Club |
| Student Council |
| Yearbook |
| Yoga |
| Animation |
| Art Club |
| Astronomy Club |
| Audiovisual Club |
| Band |
| Chess Club |
| Choir |
| Community Service |
| Computer Club |
| Debate Club |
| Drama Club |
| Environmental Club |
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
| Day | $29,590 | $31,840 | ||||||||||||
| Boarding | $54,605 | $56,855 | ||||||||||||
| Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | 7 to 12 |
| Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 5% |
| Average aid package size | $15,000 |
| Percentage of total enrollment on financial aid | 5% |
| Total aid available | $750,000 |
This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
Families must apply online to Apple Financial: https://applefinancialservices.ca/home/ as well as complete the Branksome Hall admissions process (online application, tour, interview and student assessment).
| Branksome Hall Merit-Based Entrance Scholarships Amount: $12,500 | Academic Deadline: 12/04/2015 |
| Eligibility Details: Students grade 7 to 11— Merit scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated excellence in academics and co-curricular experiences. Merit scholarships range from $1,000 to $12,500 for day and residence students entering Grade 7 to 11. Applicants participate in the scholarship process of a written essay and presentation. | |
Application Details: To more details on our Entrance Merit Scholarships, please contact the admissions office: ad[email protected] | |
| For more details, visit: www.branksome.on.ca/admissions/Pages/financialaidscholarships/Financial-Support.aspx | |
| Branksome Hall Meghji Scholarship Amount: 100% | Other Deadline: 12/04/2015 |
| Eligibility Details: Students grade 9 to 12— The Meghji Scholarship provides full tuition for an exceptionally promising new student entering Grades 9, 10 or 11 in Branksome Hall's day program who might not otherwise have the means to attend Branksome Hall. It also covers applicable IB fees and assists with the purchase of books and additional school expenses, such as school laptop and co-curricular fees. The Scholarship Committee will review applications from qualifying students with the following characteristics and achievements:
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Application Details:
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| For more details, visit: www.branksome.on.ca/admissions/Pages/financialaidscholarships/Financial-Support.aspx | |
| Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrollment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | JK to Gr. 12 | All girls | Day | 900 |
| Group 2 | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 | All girls | Boarding | 66 |
| Total enrollment | 966 |
| Average enrollment per grade | 69 |
| Average class size | 12 to 22 |
| Gender (grades) | JK to Gr. 12 (All girls) |
| Boarding offered | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| % in boarding (total enrollment) | 7% |
| % in boarding (grade-eligible) | 10% |
| Percentage of students are international students | |
| Number of different nationalities within student population | 0 |
| Five-day boarding programs offfered |
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Enrollment | 10 | 16 | 30 | 32 | 40 | 44 | 46 | 46 | 86 | 88 | 103 | 99 | 104 | 99 |
| Boarding Enrollment | 2 | 9 | 18 | 14 | 13 |
| Assessment | Required | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Interview | JK - 12 | |
| SSAT | 9 - 11 | |
| SSAT (out of province) | ||
| Entrance Exam(s) | 9 - 11 | |
| Entrance Essay | ||
| Application Fee |
Day students: December 04, 2015
Boarding students: Rolling
Student Entry Points
| Student Type | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 10 - 14 (80%) | 4 - 8 (100%) | 12 - 18 (80%) | 4 - 6 (80%) | 4 - 8 (80%) | 2 - 4 (100%) | 0 - 4 (100%) | 0 - 4 (100%) | 40 - 46 (80%) | 0 - 4 (100%) | 12 - 24 (80%) | 6 - 12 (90%) | 4 - 8 (100%) | 0 - 2 (100%) |
| Boarding Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 - 4 (100%) | 0 - 4 (100%) | 3 - 12 (80%) | 4 - 12 (80%) | 4 - 8 (90%) | 0 - 2 (100%) |
| Services | Offered |
|---|---|
| Career planning | |
| Internships | |
| Mentorship Program | |
| University counseling |
| Key Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Average graduating class size | 115 |
| *Canadian "Big 6" placements | 53 |
| **Ivy+ placements | 38 |
*Number of students in the past year who attended one of McGill, U of T, UBC, Queen's University, University of Alberta, or Dalhousie University.
**Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK)
What Branksome Hall says:
| Alumnus | Grad Year | Accomplishment |
|---|---|---|
| Budge Wilson | 1945 | Award-winning Canadian author. Member of the Order of Canada. Received the Order of Nova Scotia. |
| Nancy Ruth | 1960 | Canadian Senator |
| Ann Rohmer | 1976 | Lead TV anchor of CP24, Toronto |
| Linda McQuaig | 1969 | Noted social critic, author (The Wealthy Banker's Wife), and journalist. The National Post described her as "Canada's Michael Moore". |
| Marjorie Gross | 1974 | Television writer and producer. Wrote for numerous shows including Seinfeld. |
| Stacey Farber | 2005 | Actress best known for her role as "Eleanor" on the TV show, "Degrassi: The Next Generation" |
| Jackie Burroughs | 1957 | Gemini-winning actress. Received a Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. |
Below, find stories and testimonials about Branksome Hall.
Back to school this week took on new meaning for our Grade 6 students. Very familiar with social action projects, the girls enthusiastically embarked on a Water Walk, together with WE.org and Brita Canada as sponsors.
Carrying heavy water cans on their backs, in temperatures as hot as you might experience in rural Kenya, our girls learnt what it means for some African girls and women to carry water daily in order to provide for their families' water needs.
"It's amazing how fast you tire out after walking half the field," said Grade 6 student Lulu.
The girls walked in teams of four, together with volunteers from Brita. At times, they had to help each other with the water-filled barrels. "It was tough, and you learn just how hard it is for some people to get water," commented Grade 6 student Helena.
View the Video
Free the Children (WE.org) founder Marc Kielburger told students that "The number one reason why girls don't go to school in sub-Saharan Africa is not because there are no schools, but because they have to get water for their villages."
As program sponsor, Brita's goal is to provide access to safe, clean water to the community in Irkaat, Kenya through the provision of boreholes. "Brita Canada has partnered with WE.org to educate a generation of youth around the idea that small choices can make a very, very big impact," said Brita's General Manager Mike Pilato.
Adding to this meaningful day, talented Canadian artist Serge Belo created a large art installation in the middle of the field, using 600 white water barrels. The installation depicted a woman's profile and a water drop. Belo noted that the number of barrels depicts the average amount of water a Canadian family uses in a year.
Emmy-nominated Dot Jones, one of the stars of the hit TV show Glee, flew to Toronto this week to attend the Junior School's "Girls Glow" talent show and to meet a very special Branksome family.
The compelling story of Sophie Sullivan, a huge Glee fan, prompted the actor to travel for a face-to-face meeting with the nine-year-old and attend the Branksome show that was inspired, in part, by Sophie.
In February 2012, Sophie, then in Grade 3 at Branksome Hall, was rushed to Sick Kids Hospital, where doctors determined that she had suffered a major brain hemorrhage as a result of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) rupture. Since that time, as Sophie has made slow but steady progress in her recovery, her spirits have been buoyed by watching Glee with family and friends.
Sophie "would smile at familiar songs and jokes, and seemed genuinely comforted by the soundtrack playing in the background," wrote Physical Education teacher Kristin Buchanan in a letter to Glee's cast. "Glee became so much more than just a television show…. The music matters. The laughs matter. They made a difference in Sophie's life—perhaps the difference—when it mattered most," she added.
As the Junior School singers, dancers and actors rehearsed for their own Glee-like show, called Girls Glow, they decided to turn the event into a fundraiser for Sick Kids Hospital, where Sophie was treated.
In the meantime, Ms Buchanan's letter made it into the hands of Glee producers and actors—thanks to contacts from Carly Cohen, who produces many of the Junior School musical theatre productions at Branksome Hall. Dot Jones, who plays Coach Beiste on Glee, decided to fly from Los Angeles to meet Sophie and see Girls Glow.
Sophie's medical condition has left her unable to return to classes this year, but she attended Girls Glow and "she remains in our hearts and our thoughts," said Principal Karen Jurjevich Murton before the curtain rose on the talent show.
"Thank you for letting me be a part of this," said Dot Jones at the June 4th event, which featured girls in Grades 1 through 6.
"What an incredible show. I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of our girls," said Head of Junior School Sarah Craig. "Just as Glee recognizes that teachers, students and music have a shared connection, Branksome recognizes the power of music in our classrooms and our lives."
"There are things within your community that you just don't think exist, and what we've learned is that there are amazing people in this world who want to help," Sophie's mother, Shannon Sullivan, told Global TV prior to the show. "We're grateful and we can't even believe the overwhelming support and love for a little girl who deserves it."
To learn more about Sophie's story, visit Global News. Photos of Girls Glow are available on The Globe and Mail website and the Branksome website.
...
Fiona Sampson has a mission: to improve the lives of African women and girls who are subjected to abuse and denied human rights.
"Every 30 minutes, a girl or a woman is raped in Kenya," says Ms Sampson, a Branksome graduate from the Class of 1981. "It is an extremely serious problem that is growing." This sobering message, was shared by Ms Sampson during a Branksome Hall senior assembly in April 2013. Her presentation helped students understand the value of the work of Equality Effect and what the organization is doing to try to help women in many African nations.
Ms Sampson obtained her Ph.D. in women's equality law from Osgoode Hall Law School. While in school, she founded the "Equality Effect," which is an organization that creates legal solutions for women and girls whose basic human rights are being violated.
Ms Sampson put her passion for social equality to a good cause and began a career where she is making a difference for women in many countries, including Kenya, Ghana and Malawi. Her drive to improve women's legal equality is evident through her work and her ongoing involvement with numerous human rights organizations. She hopes that, once changes in the legal system in these countries are made, women will have better access to legal aid and that their rights are maintained and respected.
In May 2013, her efforts paid off when the High Court of Kenya took action on behalf of women. Kenyan police are now required to enforce the nation's rape laws and take action against perpetrators, or they will face prison sentences or fines. See news coverage: http://bit.ly/11xKLkE.
In 2012, Branksome Hall bestowed upon Ms Sampson the Allison Roach Alumna Award for the rights advocate's remarkable work and contributions to improving the lives of women globally. Branksome Hall is honoured to have an alumna who has had such a tremendous impact on the improvement of women's lives.
...
Each day, we challenge and inspire girls to love learning and to shape a better world. Our mission statement tells you a lot about Branksome Hall, but I invite you to visit our school to learn first-hand all that our school has to offer. Every day, I witness the astounding accomplishments of students in our classrooms and beyond — on our playing fields, on the stage, and in the community. I am continually inspired by the expertise and compassion of our faculty and staff. I am awed by the commitment of Branksome parents, who give so much of their time to help their daughters, and Branksome, succeed. And I see the impact Branksome Hall has had on the lives of our graduates — from the lifelong friendships they take away to the challenging endeavours they pursue. We are a caring community that is committed to nurturing and inspiring learners and leaders. I invite you to get to know us. Come to our Open Houses, take advantage of our ambassador tours, and explore our website. You will find a warm welcome and many opportunities to get answers to all of your questions about life at Branksome Hall.
September 14, 2016
Taking Action on Day One
Back to school took on new meaning for Gr. 6 students, as they enthusiastically embarked on a Water Walk, together with WE.org and Brita. ...
February 3, 2015
Branksome's Athletics & Wellness Centre Is an Invitation to Wellness
Branksome Hall recently marked the opening of its award-winning Athletics and Wellness Centre (AWC) this January. ...
December 9, 2013
'Bigger Bang Theory' Event Reflects Students' Interest in Science
Who would have thought that creating a simple bath bomb could create an interest in a career in science? On April 4, 2013, Branksome ... ...
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