THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Bronte College

Who are you, as a school?

"Since 1991, Bronte College has attracted students from all over the world with its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life. The college fosters a strong sense of community, committed to nurturing well-rounded and empowered individuals. With small class sizes and an inquiry-based curriculum, students enjoy a wide range of enrichment options, a robust Leadership Development program, and comprehensive academic and social support services. These elements work together to promote personal growth, cultivate leadership skills, and prioritize health and wellness. Boarding students experience the safety and convenience of newly renovated on-campus accommodations, available in single or double rooms. Meals are enjoyed in our on-site cafeteria, featuring delicious international cuisine prepared by our own chef. The college also boasts a library, fitness centre, gymnasium, wellness centre, on-site laundry facilities, and a supportive campus life team, making Bronte a true home away from home. Immersed in a truly global community, with opportunities to explore the Greater Toronto area, join a trip to Quebec, take a university campus tour, or work towards earning a prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award, students excel in our supportive, engaging environment."

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma
• Advanced Placement
• Express Program
• Duke of Edinburgh Award Program
• Wide Variety of Extracurricular and After School Activities
• Supervised Study Hall & Trips
• Full Service Cafeteria
• SMART Technology
• Boarding Options (grades 9-12)
• Fun Math & Science Summer Camp

What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"Bronte College stands out for its commitment to academic excellence, while nurturing well-rounded individuals in a small and supportive community. This environment, where students and staff know and care about each other, enables students to take risks, increase their independence and develop life skills. A Leadership Development program for our younger students includes workshops designed to improve mental and physical health, and senior students are mentored to become Student Dons, Ambassadors, Coaches and House Leaders. Gifted students find opportunities to challenge themselves through our Advanced Placement program and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award program, while ESL students are supported by experienced and compassionate staff in a multicultural environment that encourages language development. Safe, comfortable on-campus boarding and a robust evening and weekend program overseen by our Campus Life team provide a true home away from home."

What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

"Bronte College has purposely remained small, with a maximum student body of less than 400 students. We focus on providing a welcoming and family-like environment where everyone knows everyone. This enables us to focus on students' academic growth, encourage students to develop leadership skills in a supportive environment, and ensures a community that values good health and well-being. It does not lend itself to outstanding varsity teams, vigorous sports practices or specialized athletic coaching. Instead, we offer students the opportunity to try a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs and activities, including a range of sports, science clubs, debate teams, art activities, and games. Depending on the interests and skills of our student body, we offer a small selection of varsity teams, to provide students the opportunity to develop skills and compete in a larger division. Families who prioritize competitive sports are guided to local organizations in our community."

What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

"Founded in 1991, Bronte College quickly outgrew its initial site in Oakville and relocated to Mississauga. The new building included accommodations for over 350 students but lacked a canteen, an issue quickly resolved with the construction of a large, bright cafeteria and kitchen to provide freshly prepared meals to students. A library with floor to ceiling windows overlooking a ravine was added in 1996. Today, the current 5 hectare campus also includes a gymnasium, fitness room, Guidance office, art studio and hospitality centre. Boarding students enjoy newly renovated dormitories, with onsite laundry facilities and nurse, all on one campus. In 2020, Bronte College opened a separate administrative building enabling the construction of additional classrooms on campus and a new Health and Wellness Centre. Regional offices worldwide provide support and information to our international families."

What type of student is a good fit for your school?

"Students at Bronte College enjoy a hands-on approach to learning in a very global community. Teachers engage students in activities, experiments and workshops designed to develop a deeper understanding of the material, and enable students to apply their learning to new situations. An emphasis on discussions, debate, and culminating projects has replaced the textbook and exam format. Families who value a less traditional, more progressive style of learning will appreciate the emphasis on our inquiry-based approach. With students from over 30 different countries on campus, we also offer a unique opportunity to engage in a very global environment. Different histories and perspectives bring a rich vibrancy to our classrooms, and international students enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with like minded peers. Whether day or boarding, alumni tell us they value the international friendships made, and the university preparation that made transition to post-secondary studies a smooth transition."

Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

"Boarding students at Bronte College enjoy many opportunities to study, socialize and develop new skills on campus. Afterschool clubs and sports, as well as an evening and weekend campus life program, offer a wide variety of activities for students to choose from. Families looking for a strict boarding school environment however might not find our student-centred approach appealing. Boarding students are free to leave campus evenings and weekends, subject to certain restrictions such as a mandatory week-day study hall for junior students and a nightly curfew applicable to all students. With safety in mind, students are supported to make smart choices, and enjoy exploring the local neighbourhood."

To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"Since its establishment, Bronte College has focused on providing an excellent educational experience to both day and boarding students, actively seeking out international students to create a diverse global community. Families tell us they value the opportunity for their children to learn alongside children from across the globe, who bring their unique perspectives to campus. Boarding families love the convenience of our all-in-one campus - school, dormitories, cafeteria, gym and library all connected, saving our students the hassle of commuting and protecting students from inclement weather. Only 30 minutes from downtown Toronto, and 20 minutes from the international airport, Mississauga is a family orientated, multi-cultural city. Families also value the academic support, with a full guidance team providing advice and information, university fairs and tours, unique university partnerships, and opportunities to earn university transfer credits."

How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

"When people think of Bronte College, they envision a school synonymous with academic excellence, holistic development, and global citizenship. Bronte College is renowned for its rigorous academic programs like the Advanced Placement (AP) Program and the Express Program (Pre-University), which prepare students for success in higher education and beyond. The institution's commitment to fostering leadership qualities through its comprehensive Leadership Development Program is widely recognized, emphasizing personal growth, community engagement, and teamwork. Additionally, Bronte College is known for its vibrant international community, supported by modern boarding facilities that create a supportive and inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Overall, Bronte College is perceived as a place where students not only excel academically but also develop essential life skills, embrace cultural diversity, and graduate as well-rounded global citizens."

What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"Families at Bronte College recognize our amazing diversity but may not appreciate the many benefits that accompany that diversity. When we surveyed our alumni on the occasion of our 30th anniversary, the majority of students shared the impact that diversity made on them. They expressed that the exposure to students from all over the world opened their eyes to new cultures, traditions and celebrations. That exposure benefited them immensely in a global workforce, and most importantly, provided friends which they have kept to this day. It is one thing to be globally aware, but another to experience and understand the perspectives of others in your history, civics and economics courses. Diversity at Bronte College makes a life-long, positive impact on our students."

What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

"Bronte College offers newly renovated dormitories directly connected to the main school building, ensuring unparalleled comfort and safety. Featuring predominantly single occupancy rooms, with options for double and quad accommodations, the dormitories provide a vibrant international living environment open throughout holidays and school breaks. Supervised around the clock by our dedicated Campus Life, Reception, and Security teams, the facilities include comprehensive video surveillance, separate floors for males and females, and clearly defined visitor policies.
Our new Bronte College Leadership Development Program stands out as a transformative experience for students, fostering academic excellence and personal growth. This holistic approach prepares students to excel in high school and beyond, fostering leadership through initiatives such our Student Don program, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program, our Student Athletic Council and Prefect Association."

How will your school change in the next 5 years?

"Bronte College was thrilled to begin extensive renovations in 2021 and our plans to rejuvenate the campus continue! Brand new dormitories are now complete and work has begun on one of our classroom floors. A new hospitality centre for Food and Nutrition classes, a new art studio and improvements to the other classrooms is well under way. Expected to begin shortly is an expansion to our school gymnasium, to complement the new fitness centre opened this year.
Also new for Bronte College is a number of new university partners, offering unique advantages to our students. We are pleased to have partnered with the Toronto Metropolitan University, Trent, Laurier and uOttawa in Canada, and Menlo College in the USA. To compliment these partnerships, we are offering more trips to students curious to explore these and other Canadian cities."